Please Note: The driver swap has now been confirmed by both Red Bull and Racing Bulls.
Liam Lawson has risen rapidly through the motorsport ranks, showcasing immense talent from a young age. Starting in karting, he quickly progressed to single-seaters, winning the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship at just 15.
He secured multiple wins and podiums in Australian and European Formula 4 before claiming the 2019 Toyota Racing Series title. Lawson impressed in FIA Formula 3, won races in DTM, and joined the Red Bull Junior Team. All of these, plus a pre-season test, determined his selection to replace Red Bull driver Sergio Perez for the 2025 season.
Liam Lawson’s initiation into Formula 1 with Red Bull has been challenging. In his debut at the Australian Grand Prix, he qualified 18th and retired after a crash in changing weather conditions. Lawson again struggled at the subsequent Chinese Grand Prix, failing to score points and lagging behind teammate Max Verstappen by seven-tenths.
It’s been reported multiple times that the second Red Bull car and its setup issues are to blame rather than the driver. Lawson repeatedly complained about the lack of grip, understeer, and how ‘tight’ the car was, resulting in the inability to turn it as it should recently in China.
Lawson performed well in Racing Bulls at the end of last year during the pre-season test against Tsunoda and, as mentioned above, has a long history of success. His talent cannot be logically questioned. Despite this, Red Bull has reportedly decided to swap Lawson with Tsunoda ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
While Lawson’s introduction into Formula 1 with Red Bull was challenging, as he struggled to secure points in his first two races, Christian Horner acknowledged these difficulties and emphasized the team’s commitment to supporting Lawson during this period.
These comments are angering fans, as the unconfirmed decision to swap him out contradicts these statements and multiple others made in the last two weeks. As a result, the Red Bull team is losing much respect for how they have handled themselves and made recent decisions, including sacking Sergio Perez and how they have treated Lawson.
Fans are also judging and calling the unconfirmed decision to replace Lawson before even reaching a track he has experienced unfair.
Enhanced Development Opportunities for Lawson
Red Bull Racing’s unconfirmed decision to swap Lawson with Tsunoda presents a significant opportunity for the young New Zealander and his supporters. Some would see it as bad, but it’s a positive for Lawson and a questionable, perilous move for Tsunoda.
By transitioning back to Racing Bulls, Lawson can focus on honing his abilities without the immediate pressures of the Red Bull team. This move would not be a demotion but a strategic, positive realignment to foster his growth in a more accommodating setting.
In this environment, he can further develop his skills and gain invaluable experience in a car that may better suit his driving style and ultimately improve the Kiwi’s future outcome in Formula 1.
Yuki Tsunoda’s move to Red Bull Racing would place him in a car known for its demanding setup, which is reportedly tailored to Max Verstappen’s aggressive driving style.
The inherent characteristics of the Red Bull car have historically posed challenges for multiple drivers transitioning into the team over the years. Tsunoda’s ability to adapt to this environment will be crucial for his success. While Tsunoda has more F1 experience, he or anyone else on the F1 grid doesn’t have the same aggressive driving style as four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Is this car driveable for anyone other than Max Verstappen?
Positive Outlook for Kiwi Fans
For New Zealand fans, this unconfirmed development should be viewed optimistically. Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls offers him a platform to showcase his talent and resilience. With continued support and development, he stands a strong chance of securing a full-time seat in Formula 1 in 2026, reflecting his proven capabilities in motorsport.
The driver swap between Lawson and Tsunoda would be a strategic decision that benefits both athletes in their respective career trajectories. Tsunoda’s move would be risky but may pay off for the Japanese driver or for Lawson in the long run.
Overall, Lawson would ultimately gain a nurturing environment to develop further, while Tsunoda faces the challenge of proving himself in a top-tier team. This move underscores Red Bull Racing’s commitment to optimizing its driver lineup for both immediate performance and long-term growth.
Header Image: Red Bull Content Pool
As a Lawson fan I agree with this. This is a good move as it gives him a seat to fall back to and a place to show that it was the car that was the problem and not him. CH has already said they aren’t sure if there is any future in keeping Yuki in the development team, due to him already being there too long and tying up the seat.
So, if Yuki goes to RBR and it doesn’t work out it will further show it wasn’t Lawson’s fault. They can leave Yuki in the RBR car for the rest of the year and switch in the driver that does better between Lawson and Hadjar with the Honda contract coming to an end. They would be going into a completely new car that hasn’t been designed by Adrian Newy so it unlikely to have the same issues as the current car. It also puts an end to the hate from the Yuki fans as they will have their way even though they will probably find out it’s a poisoned chaise. WIn Win Win.
If it was a driver swap yes but the rumours are they have a get out clause of his whole contract and that Colapinto getting the rb seat
It was just that, a rumour which has been confirmed now. Colapinto is in no way being considered by Red Bull.
Big Lawson fan, really disappointed with Red Bull overall, heads need to roll in the RB leadership, Lawson has been so loyal to them, he needs to go back to RBR and get his confidence back, then hopefully he can sign to a real team and give RB the finger.
I feel its the car which seems to be set up for Max’s style, every driver has to be in sync with the car and for some reason Kiwi’s seem to be more comfortable in a loose setup, having said that there will be a high degree of nerves to contend with which is totally understandable in such a high stakes environment.lets wait and see how a replacement handles the situation, good luck Liam.
As a Kiwi, I’m a big supporter of Liam. Red Bull has really stuffed up majorly here. Their lack of consideration for their driving talent is abhorrent. This is not about Liam; there’s a constant theme here. They treated Daniel poorly, and he’s a top guy—terrible PR. This latest episode with Liam is just very very poor form. Liam will go very well in the B team, and I hate to say it – Yuki should be shitting himself as it will likely be the end of his career. RB is clearly 100% run buy the Verstappen family.
This is not me being sour as a Kiwi that our guy has been dropped, there’s a clear track record here and they only cater to one guy.
Hold your head up Liam – you deserve better mate.
Liam going to Redbull was always super risky. He doesn’t have enough experience in Formula 1 to cope with a tricky car and there’s no time in the practice sessions to learn and tune the car. Look at Checo and his 10 years + experience that didn’t work last year.
Mercedes with Antonelli, gave him hundreds of hours driving previous F1 cars before his F1 debut, now there was a proper plan to bring in young talent.
Chances are that Redbulls 26 car will be a combined engine and chassis disaster. Liam is better off at Racing Bulls to prove himself then find a seat at another competitive team.
Be patient Liam..McLaren will be talking to you in the future..now how about that for a drive..