Red Bull Demotes Lawson, Promotes Tsunoda to Senior F1 Team
Red Bull has officially announced the demotion of Liam Lawson, reinstating Yuki Tsunoda to the senior Formula 1 team just ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
The decision comes after only two races for Lawson, with team principal Christian Horner citing his struggles with the RB21 as a primary factor. Tsunoda, 24, will now drive alongside Max Verstappen, while Lawson returns to Racing Bulls, pairing up with rookie Isack Hadjar.
Lawson’s Short-Lived Stint Ends After Two Races
Lawson’s tenure in Red Bull’s senior team was cut short following underwhelming performances. The New Zealander failed to meet expectations, crashing out in Australia after a poor qualifying session and finishing 12th in China—moving up only due to post-race disqualifications.
Currently, Red Bull sits third in the constructors’ standings, trailing behind McLaren and Mercedes. Verstappen, despite finishing second in Australia and fourth in China, has openly criticized the RB21’s handling.
Red Bull’s History of Ruthless Driver Swaps
Known for its aggressive driver policies, Red Bull has made mid-season changes before, but Lawson’s removal after just two races is unprecedented. The decision was finalized during high-level discussions in Dubai, where Red Bull’s key stakeholders, including major shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya, evaluated the team’s early-season struggles.
Lawson had initially been chosen over Tsunoda last year to replace Sergio Perez, whose contract was cut short. At the time, Red Bull questioned Tsunoda’s ability to handle the pressure of partnering Verstappen, despite his three seasons in Formula 1.
However, with the team’s performance slipping—Verstappen won just twice in the last 14 races of 2024—Red Bull has opted to rely on Tsunoda’s experience to help improve the car.
Tsunoda’s Big Break at Suzuka
Tsunoda’s promotion comes at a crucial moment. His long-time backer, Honda, Red Bull’s engine supplier, has played a key role in his career. His debut race for the senior team will take place at Honda-owned Suzuka, making this a high-stakes opportunity.
With Honda set to transition to Aston Martin in 2026, Tsunoda’s long-term F1 future was uncertain. However, his strong early-season performances—including a fifth-place qualifying result in Australia and a sixth-place finish in the Chinese sprint race—made him a compelling choice for Red Bull’s reshuffle.
What’s Next for Lawson?
Lawson will now look to rebuild his career at Racing Bulls, following in the footsteps of Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, both of whom found success elsewhere after being dropped by Red Bull.
Despite his demotion, Red Bull maintains that Lawson remains part of its future plans. “We have a responsibility to support and develop Liam,” Horner emphasized. “Given the tough start, we believe this move is in his best interest.”
With Perez out of Formula 1 and Red Bull’s driver lineup constantly evolving, Lawson’s return to the senior team remains a possibility. However, his prospects will depend on his ability to impress in his second stint at Racing Bulls.
