Red Bull reportedly replaces Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda as Verstappen’s teammate after two races in the 2025 F1 season.
Tsunoda to Make Senior Red Bull Debut at Japanese Grand Prix
Tsunoda is expected to make his debut for the senior Red Bull team at next week’s Japanese Grand Prix, a home race for the Honda-backed driver. This decision comes as a surprise, considering Lawson had secured a full-time seat with them for the 2025 season. After failing to score in two races, while Verstappen excelled, Red Bull swiftly decided to replace Lawson.
Honda’s Influence in Tsunoda’s Promotion
Reports indicate that Honda, a key Red Bull’s partner and Tsunoda’s long-time supporter, played a crucial role in the decision. Honda reportedly plans to offer a significant financial package to secure Tsunoda’s promotion before the Suzuka weekend. The Japanese Grand Prix will take place from April 4 to April 6.
Lawson’s Struggles Lead to Demotion
Liam Lawson’s performance in the first two races of the season has been underwhelming. His campaign included a crash in Australia and a disappointing finish in China, which have led Red Bull to demote him back to the junior Racing Bulls team. This decision follows high-level discussions involving Red Bull’s major shareholder and Honda, with an official confirmation expected soon.
Verstappen’s Concerns Over Team Stability
While Red Bull’s management appears convinced about the switch, reports suggest that Max Verstappen is unhappy with the decision. The reigning world champion is reportedly concerned that frequent driver changes could destabilize the team’s performance and overall harmony.
What’s Next for Red Bull Racing?
With Yuki Tsunoda stepping into the Bulls seat, all eyes will be on the Japanese Grand Prix, where he will face the immense pressure of performing in front of his home crowd. Meanwhile, Lawson’s future remains uncertain, though a return to the Racing Bulls team suggests he may still have opportunities to prove himself in Formula 1.
