Red Bull promote Tsunoda over Lawson in dramatic F1 driver swap after just two races

Red Bull have confirmed that Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda will replace their second seat Liam Lawson after just two races into the season. 

Lawson will take Tsunoda’s place at the Racing Bulls, and go back to his old team for the remainder of the season, according to Red Bull CEO Christian Horner. 

Speculation in the world of F1 has been rife with talk of Lawson’s replacement since his second start from the pit lane in China last week. Lawson crashed out of the Chinese GP. 

The 23-year-old Kiwi also struggled to handle the RB21 at the opening race in Australia during both practice and qualifying, starting his first race from the pit lane. 

Tsunoda meanwhile, has been made headway in Red Bull’s junior team, the Racing Bulls.

Tsunoda put up 30 points on the board last season for the Racing Bulls and finished 12th overall in the Driver Standings and no doubt proved he is ready for a shot at the top. 

There’s no telling how long of a chance Tsunoda will have to prove himself behind the wheel of the RB21, but starting out his bid to fight in the top five in front of his home crowd has to be nerve-wracking for the 24-year-old.

In Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, Tsunoda said the pressure increased whenever he raced at home, because it came with high expectations of him.

Those expectations have increased tenfold now that he is teammates with Max Verstappen. 

Red Bull CEO Christian Horner said Tsunoda’s experience will be vital in giving them a chance to fight for both the Constructors and Drivers championships.

Horner’s team has struggled to find a second driver, allegedly because the RB cars have been designed to suit Max Verstappen’s style. 

Horner said Lawson will continue in F1 with the Racing Bulls, taking Tsunoda’s seat. 

“It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken a 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 purely a sporting decision. 

“We acknowledge that 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 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 Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well,” Horner said.