Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda will race for Red Bull (Oracle Red Bull Racing), starting from his home race in the Japanese Grand prix with the New Zealander Liam Lawson demoted back to sister team Racing Bulls (Visa Cash App Racing Bulls) in a straight-seat swap, the organisation announced on Thursday.
The speculation around the second Red Bull seat started after Lawson failed to get a single point in the first two races (three effectively including Sprint in Shanghai). The 23-year-old made a DNF in the inaugural race at the Australian Grand Prix before finishing 14th and 16th in both sprint and main race in the China Grand Prix, respectively.
“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. 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,” said Christian Horner, Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull racing.
“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. 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,” added Horner.
Too early to switch?
Earlier, speaking to Sky Sports F1 Lawson felt that he would have been better off if he did more testing. “We are two races in and we are racing. You would love to have 60 test days. I know a lot of the other guys tested a lot outside of the season,” he said.
“Unfortunately, it’s not something we did but there’s nothing we can do. It’s just one of those things. It’s not an excuse, just something I have to get on top of,” added the New Zealander.
Lawson replaced Daniel Ricciardo at Racing Bulls, and then Sergio Perez at Red Bull.
