Red Bull Promotes Tsunoda In Driver Swap With Lawson

Yuki Tsunoda (Getty Images for Oracle Red Bull Racing photo)

SUZUKA, Japan – Ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Oracle Red Bull Racing has announced a driver rotation that will see Yuki Tsunoda move into Liam Lawson’s seat, partnering with four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen in the RB21.

Lawson, meanwhile, will continue his F-1 journey with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls – the Red Bull junior team – for the remainder of the season.

The change comes after a challenging start to the season for Lawson, prompting Red Bull to make an early switch in their driver lineup.

Team principal and CEO Christian Horner explained the decision, emphasizing Red Bull’s constructor’s championship ambitions in addition to Tsunoda’s recent strong performances.

“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,” Horner said. “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 also highlighted Tsunoda’s value to the team in his statement. “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.”

For Tsunoda, it marks the biggest opportunity of his career, after spending the past four years with Racing Bulls.

He expressed his excitement on social media, simply stating, “Ready for the challenge ahead.”

Tsunoda has been making consistent progress, finishing 12th in last season’s driver standings and recently notching both a fifth-place qualifying effort at the Australian Grand Prix and a sixth-place finish in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race.

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged Tsunoda’s performances the past couple of seasons and gave him well wishes on the new opportunity.

“We’re incredibly proud of Yuki earning his well-deserved move to Oracle Red Bull Racing,” said Mekies. “His progress last year, and more recently from the very start of 2025, has been nothing less than sensational.”

Although a setback for Lawson, Red Bull remains committed to his development.

“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam,” Horner added. “After such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience as he continues his F-1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.”

“Everyone here at VCARB is looking forward to working hard with Liam to give him the best environment possible for him to shine in our car and to express the talent we all know he has,” said Mekies of Lawson.

A driver shake-up this early in the season shows the commitment of Red Bull to fine-tune their lineup and ensure they can again fight for the constructor’s championship.

U.S. broadcast coverage of the Japanese Grand Prix airs Sunday, April 6 at 1 a.m. ET on ESPN.