Red Bull confirms Tsunoda-Lawson swap for Japanese GP

In a decisive move aimed at bolstering their championship aspirations, Red Bull Racing has announced the promotion of Yuki Tsunoda to the senior team, replacing Liam Lawson, who will return to Racing Bulls.

This change, which ends weeks of speculation and puts an abrupt halt to Lawson’s misery in the unforgiving RB21 cockpit, will take effect from next week’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull had been a gamble from the start. After replacing Daniel Ricciardo for the final six races of 2024 at Racing Bulls, he outshone expectations, earning the nod over Tsunoda – who boasted four full seasons with the sister team – to succeed the departing Sergio Perez.

But the transition to the senior squad proved a nightmare. Qualifying 18th in Australia and crashing out in wet conditions, followed by a dismal last-place showing in both Shanghai’s sprint and grand prix qualifying sessions, Lawson’s tenure was a tale of struggle.

Even his 12th-place finish in China owed more to others’ misfortunes – disqualifications and retirements – than to any brilliance of his own.

Horner’s Verdict: Data Doesn’t Lie

The axe fell swiftly after Shanghai, where Red Bull team principal Christian Horner faced a barrage of questions about Lawson’s future.

At the time, he promised a thorough review, saying the team’s engineers would dive into the data to assess the rookie’s performance.

Now, that analysis has delivered its verdict, and Horner has spoken candidly about the switch.

“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,” he said, laying bare the team’s reasoning.

“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.”

With Max Verstappen chasing another drivers’ crown and McLaren setting the pace in the constructors’ standings, the team can ill afford a second driver floundering at the back.

Tsunoda, with his seasoned perspective, is seen as the antidote.

“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,” Horner added.

“We welcome him to the team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.”

A Lifeline for Lawson

For Lawson, the demotion is both a reprieve and a challenge. Rather than being cast aside entirely –rumors had swirled that Williams’ 2024 standout Franco Colapinto, now Alpine’s reserve, might snag the Racing Bulls seat – he’s been given a second chance in familiar territory.

Horner framed it as an act of compassion as much as strategy.

©RedBull

“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.

The move spares Lawson the relentless spotlight of Red Bull’s top team, where every misstep is magnified. Back at Racing Bulls, he’ll have room to rebuild, leveraging his prior stint with the squad to regain his footing. Yet the pressure remains: another poor showing could spell the end of his Red Bull aspirations altogether.

Tsunoda’s Time to Shine

Meanwhile, the stage is set for Tsunoda to seize his long-awaited moment. Overlooked for years despite consistent growth – his best result a fourth-place finish in Abu Dhabi during his 2021 debut—the Japanese driver now inherits a car that’s proven a beast to tame.

Suzuka, his home circuit, will be a crucible. A strong performance could cement his place alongside Verstappen; a faltering one might reignite doubts about Red Bull’s driver program.

Horner’s words echo with intent: this is a team desperate to claw back dominance. Tsunoda’s experience is their bet, Lawson’s reprieve their hedge.

As the paddock descends on Japan, all eyes will be on the RB21’s new driver – and on a Kiwi licking his wounds, plotting a comeback from the shadows.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook