BREAKING: Red Bull Axed Liam Lawson After Two Races, Replace with…read more
Red Bull Drops Liam Lawson After Two Races, Yuki Tsunoda to Take Over
In a dramatic mid-season shakeup, Red Bull Racing has reportedly decided to part ways with Liam Lawson after just two races in the 2025 Formula One season. The New Zealander, who was given a coveted seat alongside Max Verstappen following Sergio Perez’s departure, struggled to make an impact in his short stint with the team.
Why Red Bull Decided to Drop Lawson
Lawson’s performances in the opening two rounds of the season—finishing 15th in Australia and 12th in China—failed to meet the high expectations set by the team. His inability to progress beyond Q1 in both races was a significant red flag, especially considering Red Bull’s history of making quick driver changes when results are lacking.
According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Red Bull’s senior leadership, including team principal Christian Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, held an emergency meeting in Dubai to discuss the situation. Representatives from Honda, Red Bull’s engine supplier, were also reportedly involved in the decision-making process. The conclusion: Lawson would be replaced, and a more experienced driver would step in.
Yuki Tsunoda Returns to Red Bull
The team has chosen Yuki Tsunoda as Lawson’s replacement, marking a significant turnaround. Tsunoda, who had been relegated to Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), will now step up to partner Verstappen, starting with the Japanese Grand Prix.
Tsunoda’s promotion is seen as a strategic move, especially given his strong connections to Honda, which continues to play a key role in Red Bull’s power unit development. With the Japanese GP approaching, Red Bull is likely aiming to capitalize on Tsunoda’s popularity in his home country, along with his growing experience in F1.
Lawson’s Future Remains Uncertain
For Lawson, this abrupt decision casts doubt on his future within the Red Bull driver program. While he remains a talented prospect, his short-lived Red Bull seat may mean a return to Racing Bulls, a reserve driver role, or even an uncertain search for opportunities outside of the Red Bull ecosystem.
Red Bull’s decision highlights the team’s relentless pursuit of performance and its willingness to make bold, sometimes ruthless, moves to maintain its competitive edge. Official confirmation of the driver swap is expected soon, but the move underscores the high-pressure nature of Formula One, where results are everything, and patience is often in short supply.
