In a surprising twist in the 2025 Formula 1 season, Red Bull Racing has announced that Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson. The decision comes just two race weekends into the season and just in time for the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4. This change confirms rumors that had been circulating for several days.

At 24 years old, Tsunoda now gets the chance to prove himself alongside world champion Max Verstappen, who is currently second in the championship behind Lando Norris from McLaren. This opportunity is particularly special for Tsunoda, as he will make his Red Bull Racing debut on home soil at the iconic Suzuka Circuit.

Why the Replacement?

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner explained the decision: “It was difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 during the first two races. We collectively decided to act early to protect our ambitions for this season.” According to Horner, the team has two main goals: retaining the Drivers’ Championship and reclaiming the Constructors’ Title.

Lawson, a 23-year-old New Zealander, was promoted to the main team during the winter break to replace Sergio Perez. However, his transition to the RB21 proved challenging. In all three qualifying sessions, he failed to progress beyond the first round and did not score any points in the opening races.

Horner emphasized that the decision was not personal but purely based on sporting performance: “We have a duty to protect Liam and help him develop further. We believe it makes sense to intervene quickly so he can continue his F1 career with Racing Bulls, an environment he knows well.”

Why Tsunoda?

Yuki Tsunoda, who made his Formula 1 debut with AlphaTauri in 2021, has made an impression with his determination and speed since his arrival. He is the first Japanese driver on the F1 grid since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014. Although he has not yet scored points this season, he has shown potential and demonstrated his speed on the track.

In Australia, Tsunoda finished in 12th place, and in Shanghai, he narrowly missed the points due to a faulty two-stop strategy by the team. Despite these setbacks, his performances have showcased his potential, and Red Bull believes he can provide the stability needed to compete for the championship.

Verstappen and Tsunoda: An Unpredictable Duo?

Analysts see the partnership between Verstappen and Tsunoda as both intriguing and potentially explosive. Verstappen, a four-time world champion, is known for his direct driving style and high expectations of teammates. Meanwhile, Tsunoda has proven himself to be a fast and determined driver, but he must now hold his own in a team renowned for its high pressure and competitive nature.

With this change, Tsunoda becomes the fifth teammate for Verstappen since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018. The pressure on Tsunoda will be immense, especially since he must immediately prove himself during his home race. However, for Japanese fans, it is a dream scenario to see their countryman in a competitive Red Bull.

What’s Next for Lawson?

Liam Lawson will return to Racing Bulls, where he competed last season. Red Bull continues to support him and does not see this as the end of his F1 career. “We don’t want to write him off too soon,” Horner emphasized. “It’s important for him to rebuild and gain experience in an environment he is comfortable with.”

The upcoming Japanese Grand Prix will be a crucial test for both Red Bull and Tsunoda. Can the Japanese driver meet expectations and support Verstappen in the title fight? The team hopes that this strategic change will be the right move to breathe new life into the season and tackle the competition head-on.