Confirmed: Tsunoda Replaces Lawson at Red Bull

Picture: PlanetF1  

Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed a surprising early-season driver swap for the 2025 season. Yuki Tsunoda is stepping up to partner Max Verstappen, replacing Liam Lawson with immediate effect. Lawson will return to Racing Bulls. This shake-up happens just before the Japanese Grand Prix, making Tsunoda’s Red Bull debut on home soil even more significant.  

This early change, after just two races (Australia and China), is a shock, even for Red Bull, known for their quick performance-driven decisions. Lawson was only promoted in December, taking Sergio Perez’s seat and initially preferred over Tsunoda . Now, the tables have turned.  

Lawson’s start was tough, with a DNF in Australia and two last-place qualifying results in China. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner didn’t dismiss swap rumors, and Tsunoda, already with Racing Bulls, was a likely candidate. Dutch media, like De Telegraaf, confirmed Tsunoda’s move for the Suzuka race.

This highlights the pressure on the second Red Bull driver to perform instantly. Red Bull prioritizes results, and Lawson’s struggles triggered a swift rethink. The initial choice of Lawson over Tsunoda, despite less F1 experience, suggests Red Bull saw higher potential. However, that potential didn’t quickly materialize, leading to the rapid change. 

Dubai Summit: The Decision Point

The decision to replace Lawson with Tsunoda reportedly occurred during a high-level Red Bull meeting in Dubai on March 24, 2025. Key Red Bull figures, including Chalerm Yoovidhya, were involved. Dutch media, De Telegraaf and De Limburger, first reported the news.  

Reports indicate Honda’s financial backing for Tsunoda was crucial. While Lawson’s China performance was concerning, the Dubai summit finalized the swap. Honda representatives were present, underscoring their significant role.

This decision involved sporting, financial, and strategic factors. Honda’s influence as an engine supplier and sponsor is significant. The owner’s participation highlights the gravity of the situation. Dutch media’s early reporting, often linked to Verstappen, suggests insider knowledge. 

Honda’s Influence: Financial Muscle and National Pride

Honda’s financial involvement was likely key in Red Bull’s decision. Honda reportedly pays Red Bull a significant annual sum for Tsunoda at Racing Bulls until the end of 2025. They also reportedly offered an extra €10 million for Tsunoda to partner Verstappen, which was initially declined.  

After Lawson’s poor starts, Red Bull reportedly approached Honda again for further financial incentives. Honda agreed to increase their contribution significantly. Some sources suggest Honda is now paying €10 million directly for Tsunoda’s Red Bull opportunity. This highlights Honda’s strong desire to see their protégé in the senior team. It’s a big opportunity for Honda, as Japan hasn’t had a consistent frontrunning F1 driver in years.  

Honda’s financial support shows the influence of commercial factors in F1 driver selection. Red Bull likely weighed Honda’s financial benefits against sporting risks. Honda’s strong motivation for a Japanese driver in a top team, especially with Tsunoda’s debut at the Japanese Grand Prix , adds national pride and marketing aspects. Red Bull’s initial reluctance and subsequent return to Honda indicate a shift in priorities after Lawson’s struggles. 

Yuki Tsunoda: Awaited Opportunity

Yuki Tsunoda’s promotion follows years in the Red Bull program and consistent F1 presence with Racing Bulls. The 24-year-old has spent four seasons with the junior team. He had a strong start to 2025, scoring three points with a sixth-place finish in the Shanghai sprint. He also qualified ninth in China. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko noted Tsunoda’s significant development and improved form.  

Tsunoda’s rise to F1 was rapid. He finished third in the 2020 Formula 2 championship . He became the team leader at Racing Bulls. A Red Bull Junior Team member since 2019, his best F1 finish was fourth in Abu Dhabi in 2021 with AlphaTauri under Honda power. His Racing Bulls/AlphaTauri stats include 89 entries and 94 points. In 2023, he took a senior role, partnering with several drivers, including Lawson.  

Tsunoda’s consistent involvement and recent performance suggest improved maturity and driving. Marko’s positive comments highlight this. Outperforming Lawson at Racing Bulls in 2024 and his early 2025 points finish likely strengthened his case for promotion when Lawson struggled. This direct comparison made Tsunoda the logical choice.  

Liam Lawson: Premature Setback

Liam Lawson’s full-time Red Bull career has been unexpectedly short. Promoted in December with limited F1 starts, he had a challenging start to 2025. His first two races were rough, with a crash in Australia and twice qualifying last in China. He has not scored any points in the 2025 season. After China, Lawson acknowledged limited time to improve.  

Experts note Lawson’s poor qualifying, the worst for a Red Bull driver recently. The RB21 car might not suit his style, potentially favoring Verstappen. While Lawson impressed in 2023 substitute appearances, his 2025 performances fell short. In China, starting last, he finished 12th, far behind his teammate. Reports suggest Lawson learned of his demotion via media, not the team.  

Lawson’s struggles highlight the pressure of adapting to a top F1 car, especially alongside Verstappen with limited experience. The Red Bull car’s demands, often tailored to Verstappen, were likely a challenge for Lawson. The reported manner of his demotion suggests a potentially ruthless approach by Red Bull. The lack of direct communication reflects poorly on their driver management.  

Home Debut: Japanese Grand Prix

Yuki Tsunoda will debut for Red Bull Racing at his home race, the Japanese Grand Prix, April 4th-6th. Racing for a top team in front of his national fans and for Honda at Suzuka is a huge opportunity and pressure. Tsunoda expressed readiness for a Red Bull seat, even at his home race. His first Red Bull event is a planned show run in Tokyo, highlighting its importance for Tsunoda and Honda. This offers Honda a chance they’ve awaited for a Japanese driver’s success in F1.  

Tsunoda’s home debut with Red Bull is a massive platform to impress. A strong performance at Suzuka would be a personal triumph and great publicity for Red Bull and Honda. Home crowd motivation could possibly boost his performance. However, the pressure of representing his nation and Red Bull at home is also a challenge. Managing this pressure will be crucial for his debut success.  

Red Bull Racing: Navigating Instability

Replacing Lawson with Tsunoda is the latest Red Bull driver change, highlighting instability alongside Verstappen. Tsunoda is Verstappen’s sixth different teammate, following Lawson, Perez, Albon, Gasly, and Ricciardo. This high turnover suggests difficulty finding a consistent performer alongside Verstappen. Red Bull has high expectations and demands immediate results. Driving alongside Verstappen is a huge challenge. The Red Bull car can be demanding and often suits Verstappen’s style with a very aggressive front- end. This leads to Red Bull’s “aggressive lineup reshuffles”.  

Experts like Ralf Schumacher have cautioned Tsunoda against joining Red Bull, citing chaotic management and the difficulty of competing with Verstappen. Schumacher suggested the instability could harm Tsunoda’s career. Red Bull’s talent development is “uncompromising,” with immediate results expected. This pattern of quick changes indicates a systemic issue for Red Bull in finding a second driver who consistently meets their criteria within their car’s characteristics and the high-pressure environment with Verstappen. The pressure on Tsunoda will be significant.  

Conclusion

The Tsunoda-Lawson swap at Red Bull Racing is a major moment in the 2025 season. For Tsunoda, it’s a huge opportunity. For Lawson, it’s a setback. For Red Bull, it’s about securing more consistent points, but it continues their history of driver instability. Honda’s financial backing highlights the complex factors in F1 team decisions. This swap underscores the pressures in top motorsport and the influential role of manufacturer support.