Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies is looking forward to “working hard” with Liam Lawson to steer the Kiwi back on the right track in F1.
Lawson will rejoin the Faena-based outfit from next week’s Japanese Grand Prix, following a driver reshuffle that sees Yuki Tsunoda promoted to Oracle Red Bull Racing.
The move comes after a difficult start to the season for Lawson, who struggled to find form in the senior team’s RB21. Now, the 23-year-old Kiwi will return to familiar territory, reuniting with a team where he previously impressed.
Lawson’s stint at Red Bull Racing was a trial by fire. Promoted to replace Sergio Perez after a solid six-race cameo with Racing Bulls in 2024, he struggled immensely to adapt to the demanding RB21 in the opening two races of the season.
Qualifying 18th in Australia, crashing out in wet conditions, and then starting both the Shanghai sprint and grand prix from the pitlane underscored his difficulties.
A 12th-place finish in China—boosted by others’ retirements and disqualifications—was scant consolation. Now, Red Bull’s decision to reshuffle its lineup offers Lawson a lifeline and Tsunoda a long-awaited shot at the big time.
Mekies Reflects: Pride, Progress, and a Warm Welcome Back
Mekies didn’t hold back in praising Tsunoda’s journey to the top.
“We’re incredibly proud of Yuki earning his well-deserved move to Oracle Red Bull Racing!” commented the RB chief.
“His progress last year, and more recently from the very start of 2025, has been nothing less than sensational.”
Tsunoda’s ascent, built on four seasons with Racing Bulls, has been a point of pride for the sister Red Bull squad.
“Personally, and collectively, it has been an immense privilege to witness those progresses for all of us in Faenza and in Milton Keynes,” Mekies added.
“Yuki’s energy and positivity has lightened up every corner of our factories and of our garage and he will always be a Racing Bull!”
As Tsunoda prepares to join Verstappen, the RB team principal offered a heartfelt send-off: “We wish him all the success he deserves at ORBR.”
Turning to Lawson, Mekies radiated optimism about the New Zealand driver’s return.
“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 affirmed.
A Chance to Rebuild
Lawson’s prior stint with the team in 2024 left a strong impression.
“He fit in so well last year, and we cannot wait to challenge ourselves and grow as a Team,” Mekies noted, hinting at a seamless reunion.
Paired with rookie standout Isack Hadjar, who’s impressed early in 2025, Lawson joins a youthful lineup brimming with potential.
“With Isack having started so strongly with us already, we know we have a young and strong lineup,” Mekies concluded.
Red Bull’s dual-team structure affords them rare flexibility, and this driver swap underscores their willingness to act decisively.
For Lawson, the move back to RB is less a demotion than a recalibration – a chance to regain confidence in an environment where he previously thrived.
Tsunoda’s promotion, meanwhile, is a testament to persistence. Overlooked in favor of Lawson for the initial 2025 Red Bull seat, his consistent growth has finally paid off.
Suzuka, his home race, will be a high-stakes debut, with the weight of expectation resting on his shoulders as he partners with Verstappen.
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