F1 Update: Yuki Tsunoda Takes Over From Liam Lawson at Red Bull Post-Japanese Grand Prix

by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | motorsports, racing, red bull, red bull racing, sports

LONDON – Yuki Tsunoda is set to compete for Red Bull starting at their home Japanese Formula One Grand Prix next week. This move comes as underperforming New Zealander Liam Lawson gets relegated to the subsidiary team, Racing Bulls, in an exact role reversal.

When former champions Red Bull released Mexican driver Sergio Perez at the end of last year, they opted for Lawson over the more seasoned Tsunoda. However, Lawson, now partnered with four-time world champion Max Verstappen, hasn’t managed to secure any points yet.

Tsunoda began the season with great momentum and has overcome his earlier image of being impulsive and inconsistent. At 24 years old, he has eagerly awaited this opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities within a premier squad.

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“It has been challenging to witness Liam facing difficulties with the RB21 during the initial two races. As a consequence, we have jointly decided to make an earlier change,” stated Red Bull team principal Christian Horner in a press release on Thursday.

“In the 2025 season, we entered with two goals: defending our status as world drivers’ champions and regaining the world constructors’ title, which is entirely based on sports-related choices.”

“We recognize that substantial efforts are required for the RB21, and Yuki’s expertise will be immensely valuable in advancing the development of the present vehicle,” added the British individual.

We’re delighted to have him join our team and eagerly anticipate watching him drive the RB21.

Throughout his career, Tsunoda has received support from Honda, who have been Red Bull’s engine partners up until the conclusion of this season. Additionally, they own the Suzuka circuit where the Japanese Grand Prix will take place on April 6th.

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Honda will be transitioning to Aston Martin in 2026, and Tsunoda’s prospects for next season have appeared unclear as his fellow countryman Lawson was promoted ahead of him, with Tsunoda being consistently overlooked.

Horner had cast doubt on the logic of retaining Tsunoda beyond 2025 for Racing Bulls, considering that the primary aim of the team is to ready young drivers for advancement. There are also other prospects in line.

“You cannot keep a driver in the support team for five years. It’s not sustainable to constantly come close but never win. At this juncture, you must either release them or explore another option,” Horner stated to journalists in December.

I believe he’s highly resolute,” Horner further stated. “He understands how swiftly circumstances can evolve.” Then he continued, “Nine months prior, who could have imagined that we’d be discussing Liam Lawson as our driver for 2025?

The choice made on Thursday, which will likely be viewed as harsh following only two races, has resulted in Lawson being added to the roster of young drivers who fell short when placed beside Verstappen and were subsequently let go.

Alex Albon, currently driving for Williams, along with Pierre Gasly, competing for Alpine, are two racers who managed to revive their standings following their departures from Red Bull.

Horner stated following the conclusion of the Chinese Grand Prix this past weekend that Red Bull would do their best to back Lawson, and he reaffirmed this position.

“He mentioned that we have a responsibility to ensure Liam’s safety and growth.”

And together, we realize that after such a challenging beginning, it’s wise to move swiftly so Liam can accumulate experience as he progresses in his F1 career with… Racing Bulls, a squad and atmosphere he is thoroughly familiar with.

Lawson will link up with French newcomer Isack Hadjar at the team based in Italy.