It’s been confirmed. Red Bull and Racing Bulls have confirmed the driver lineup change, promoting Yuki Tsunoda to replace Liam Lawson after only two races this season. Team principal Christian Horner cited Lawson’s lack of experience and failure to score points as key factors in the decision.
Tsunoda’s experience is seen as vital for developing the RB21 car, and Honda supported his promotion due to his extensive Formula 1 background, reportedly putting $10 million on the table for the deal.
Red Bull aims to retain the drivers’ championship and reclaim the constructors’ title, as they are currently 42 points behind McLaren.
The move has drawn criticism, with former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher suggesting it destabilizes the team. Red Bull’s lead driver, Max Verstappen, has expressed dissatisfaction, defending Lawson and highlighting the car’s challenging drivability. It seems the Red Bull Team has ignored this and made their own decision.
Red Bull Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner said:
“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.
“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 look 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.”
Liam Lawson will now drive for the Racing Bulls team alongside Isack Hadjar, a move that fans and other past F1 drivers have deemed a smart move for the Kiwi, in a place where he will have more support and be able to develop as a driver more than he could have at Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s teammate.
“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 fit in so well last year; we cannot wait to challenge ourselves and grow as a team. With Isack having started so strongly with us already, we know we have a young and strong lineup.” said Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Racing Bulls
Will update as more information comes to light
If this is true ……! So be it let’s not dwell on what was let’s move forward and start racing , any thing can happen at least Liam has a seat at RB … it certainly is not bad .