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Yuki Tsunoda has been promoted to Red Bull at the expense of Liam Lawson - PA/David Davies
Red Bull have confirmed that drivers Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda will switch teams with immediate effect, suggesting the Japanese driver’s “greater experience in terms of car development” was a major factor behind their decision given the sensitive nature of RB21.
In a statement, Red Bull said Lawson’s “difficult” start to the season, which has seen the New Zealander struggle badly in both Melbourne and Shanghai – he crashed out in Australia and qualified last in both the sprint race and the main race in China – had convinced them it would be better for the 23-year-old if they pulled him out of the firing line just two races into his Red Bull career.
Team principal Christian Horner said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.
“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.”
Horner added that Tsunoda’s greater experience – the 24 year-old has completed the second most races for Racing Bulls/AlphaTauri/Toro Rosso with 92 entries, and 89 starts, behind Pierre Gasly with 106 – played a big part in the decision.
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Liam Lawson had a short tenure as Max Verstappen’s team-mate - PA/David Davies
The RB21 has been built and developed according to the preferences of four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who has proved the only man capable of extracting much from it for much of the last 12 months.
Previous team-mate Sergio Pérez found its predecessor RB20 increasingly difficult to drive before making way in December. Lawson has found RB21 virtually impossible to get to grips with.
Verstappen currently sits second in the drivers’ championship, behind McLaren’s Lando Norris.
“We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title and this is a purely sporting decision,” Horner said.
“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. We welcome him to the team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.”
Tsunoda will make his Red Bull debut at his home race in Suzuka next weekend, with his sponsor and the team’s engine supplier Honda understood to have been crucial in making the switch happen.
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