Red Bull Racing announced midseason changes to their driver lineup by promoting Yuki Tsunoda from the Japanese Grand Prix forwards, after Liam Lawson experienced difficulty at the beginning of 2025 Formula 1. Red Bull sought ways to enhance Liam Lawson’s performance as they tried to boost performance across their entire 2025 Formula 1 season.
Tsunoda’s Red Bull Debut in Japan
Yuki Tsunoda will now make his Red Bull debut at Suzuka Circuit – marking an auspicious beginning to his racing career and in front of his home crowd. Lawson had originally secured his seat following an impressive stint at Racing Bulls 2024 but experienced difficulties adapting to Red Bull car, leading him to underwhelming performances during their inaugural two races of 2025 season.
Road to Red Bull
Since joining Formula 1 with AlphaTauri in 2021, Tsunoda’s trajectory has been marked by continuous improvement and resilience. Outperforming teammates including Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo, Tsunoda contributed significantly to his former team’s points tally in the 2024 season, proving his capabilities on the track.
Team Management’s Stance
According to Red Bull Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner, the decision to replace Lawson with Tsunoda was made with the team’s championship aspirations in mind. Horner emphasized that Tsunoda’s experience would be invaluable in further developing the current car and expressed confidence in Lawson’s potential for growth with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
Although Lawson may have changed teams, he remains part of Red Bull Racing and returns to Racing Bulls where his development can continue alongside rookie Isack Hadjar – similar to their decisions regarding drivers such as Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly in previous seasons.
Looking Ahead to Japan
As Formula 1 moves onto its first Japanese Grand Prix since 2008, all eyes will be on Tsunoda as he takes up Red Bull’s challenge of racing before his home crowd for Red Bull Racing; Lawson hopes to regain form at Racing Bulls with Racing Bulls, hoping once again to compete at a high level of motorsport competition.