In a surprising move even for Redbull, Yuki Tsunoda has replaced Liam Lawson in the second seat at Redbull for the Japanese GP.
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The Board at Redbull decided to make the switch after Lawson’s poor start to the season, where the Redbull driver qualified 18th in Australia and last in both Sprint Qualifying and Qualifying at China.
It must be said that these two tracks are ones that the Liam Lawson has never raced at and that Redbull decided on bringing in Lawson very late during the off season, he was the last driver to be confirmed for 2025.
If you were to compare this to Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, who made is F1 debut this season, was given an extensive training program, with sim work and time on track in older Mercedes F1 cars. Although the track time would not be able to fully replicate the conditions of driving the 2025 car, it would help to build up a foundation to which Liam and Redbull could work with as Liam worked to understand the 2025 Redbull car.
Yuki Tsunoda is the obvious choice for the Redbull seat, some might argue he should have been in the seat from the start. His performances in the first two GP’s in the Racing Bulls (Qualified 5th in Australia and 8th in the Sprint Quali and 9th in GP Qualifying) has ultimately forced the Redbull Boards hand. Would this move have happened if Yuki was at the back with Liam? Answer is No.
Ultimately, Redbull have decided that Liam was the wrong choice and have acted quickly rather than waiting to see if Liam can improve.
All eyes will be on Yuki Tsunoda at the Japanese GP, is the Japanese driver the answer to Redbulls’ second driver problem?
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“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 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.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.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.”
Christian Horner on Liam Lawson being replaced by Yuki Tsunoda