Red Bull Replaces Lawson with Tsunoda After Two Races

The team cites performance concerns and car development needs, with Tsunoda set to debut at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6.

Red Bull Racing has demoted Liam Lawson to Racing Bulls and promoted Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen's new teammate after just two races in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Lawson struggled with the RB21 car, qualifying 18th in Australia and 20th in China, and failing to score points in either race, while Red Bull trails McLaren and Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship.
Team principal Christian Horner emphasized the decision was 'sporting,' aiming to protect Lawson's career and utilize Tsunoda's experience to address car development challenges.
Critics, including former drivers, have labeled the move harsh and indicative of broader management issues at Red Bull, with Verstappen liking a post critical of the decision.
Tsunoda, who has four years of F1 experience, will debut as a Red Bull driver at his home race in Japan, tasked with improving team performance and supporting Verstappen's title defense.