Red Bull confirms Tsunoda promotion; Lawson returning to Racing Bulls

Red Bull has confirmed a driver swap between Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson that will put Tsunoda alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards.

Lawson was only selected to replace Sergio Perez – ahead of Tsunoda – in December, and had just two races with Red Bull prior to the change being made. The New Zealander was unable to escape Q1 in any of the qualifying sessions he took part in, qualifying last in both sessions in China, and was not in the frame for points at either weekend.

Despite the poor start, Red Bull had cited Lawson’s mental strength and greater potential as two key reasons why he was given the drive after just 11 grands prix starts prior to this season, so the decision remains a shock u-turn so early in the year.

The call to make the change was reached with the involvement of key Red Bull stakeholders following the Chinese Grand Prix, and team principal Christian Horner said Tsunoda’s greater experience is now being deemed more valuable against the backdrop of Verstappen’s own difficulty getting consistent pace out of the 2025 car in Shanghai.

“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,” Horner said. “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.”

Tsunoda is entering his fifth season in Formula 1 and has a best finish of fourth place from the final round of his rookie season in Abu Dhabi. He finished sixth in the Sprint in China to give Racing Bulls its first points of the season, and qualified fifth in Australia but was unable to capitalize on changing conditions in the race.

Meanwhile, Horner believes Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls – the team he completed 11 races for over the past two seasons as a substitute driver – will give the 23-year-old the chance to rebuild his confidence.

“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,” he said.