Red Bull Makes Shocking Decision to Replace Struggling Driver Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda
Breakthrough for Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda, who has shrugged off an early career reputation for being excitable and erratic, will now race for Red Bull from his home Japanese Formula One Grand Prix next week. This comes as a surprise, as Tsunoda was initially overlooked in favor of struggling New Zealander Liam Lawson, who has yet to score as teammate of four-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Straight Swap: Lawson Demoted to Sister Team Racing Bulls
In a shocking move, Red Bull has demoted Lawson to sister team Racing Bulls, in a straight swap. This decision was made after just two races, with Christian Horner, Red Bull team boss, stating that it has been difficult to see Lawson struggle with the RB21. As a result, the team has collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.
Tsunoda’s Experience Proves Beneficial
Tsunoda’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car, according to Horner. The 24-year-old has been itching for the chance to show what he can do at a top team. "We acknowledge 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," Horner added.
Honda’s Support Key to Tsunoda’s Success
Tsunoda has been backed through his career by Honda, Red Bull’s engine partner until the end of this season and also owners of the Suzuka circuit that hosts the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6. Honda are switching to Aston Martin in 2026, however, and Tsunoda’s future beyond this year has looked uncertain with last year’s teammate Lawson promoted over him and the Japanese repeatedly snubbed.
Horner’s Critique of Tsunoda’s Role
Horner had questioned the sense of keeping Tsunoda on after 2025 at Racing Bulls, given that the team’s main purpose is to prepare young drivers for the step up, with others in the pipeline. "You can’t have a driver in the support team for five years. You can’t always be the bridesmaid. You’ve either got to let them go at that point or look at something different," Horner told reporters in December.
Conclusion
Red Bull’s decision to replace Lawson with Tsunoda marks a significant shift in the team’s strategy. While Lawson’s struggles have been well-documented, Tsunoda’s experience and determination are expected to prove beneficial in helping to develop the current car. As the Japanese Grand Prix approaches, fans will be eagerly awaiting Tsunoda’s performance behind the wheel of the RB21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why has Liam Lawson been demoted to Racing Bulls?
A: According to Christian Horner, Red Bull team boss, it has been difficult to see Lawson struggle with the RB21, and as a result, the team has collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.
Q: What is Yuki Tsunoda’s background?
A: Tsunoda has been backed through his career by Honda, Red Bull’s engine partner until the end of this season. He has also been snubbed by Honda, with his future beyond this year looking uncertain.
Q: What is the significance of Honda’s switch to Aston Martin in 2026?
A: Honda’s switch to Aston Martin in 2026 means that Tsunoda’s future beyond this year has looked uncertain, with last year’s teammate Lawson promoted over him and the Japanese repeatedly snubbed.