Red Bull has explained its decision to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda, believing the Japanese driver will be “beneficial” in developing its 2025 Formula 1 challenger.
Red Bull announced on Thursday that it has swapped Tsunoda and Lawson ahead of the former’s home race in Japan next weekend.
Despite a difficult start, comprising no points and three Q1 exits in qualifying, axing Lawson after two races is extreme even for Red Bull, which has a history of swapping drivers in and out of its roster.
Lawson was given the nod over Tsunoda after just 11 race starts as Red Bull felt he had the necessary potential to thrive alongside Max Verstappen, but that choice has seemingly backfired as the New Zealander struggled with the RB21’s narrow performance window.
With both F1 championships on the line, Red Bull has decided to opt for Tsunoda’s experience to help develop its way out of trouble.
“It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch,” said Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner.
“We came into the 2025 season, with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title and this is a purely sporting decision.
“We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car.
“We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.”
Red Bull has ‘duty of care’ to Lawson
Lawson will now head back to Racing Bulls, his confidence shattered after two bruising rounds at Red Bull and no chance to make amends.
It shows that putting Lawson in that position in the first place was a mistake, and reverting to Tsunoda proves he was likely the more suitable candidate to take on the task of being Verstappen’s team-mate.
Horner explained Red Bull has a “duty of care” to Lawson and that’s why the team has acted quickly.
“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well,” Horner concluded.
Still, that being said, the decision to promote him seems all the more alarming.
Lawson has potential and there’s no doubt the more compliant VCARB02 will help the New Zealander regain his confidence.
Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies added: “Everyone here at VCARB is looking forward to working hard with Liam to give him the best environment possible for him to shine in our car and to express the talent we all know he has.
“He fit in so well last year, and we cannot wait to challenge ourselves and grow as a Team.
“With Isack [Hadjar] having started strongly with us already, we know we have a young and strong lineup.”
READ MORE – Red Bull confirms Yuki Tsunoda swap with Liam Lawson from F1 Japanese GP
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