Red Bull Shake-Up: Yuki Tsunoda Replaces Liam Lawson for Home Debut at Japanese Grand Prix

Red Bull's Drastic Driver Decision Rocks F1 Paddock

In a shocking mid-season move, Red Bull Racing has confirmed through ESPN sources that Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson starting at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. This comes just two races into Lawson's debut season with the senior team.

The Lawson Experiment Ends Prematurely

The New Zealander's disastrous start proved decisive:

• Qualified 18th in Australia with a race-ending crash
• Started last in both China's sprint and grand prix
• Failed to score points in any session

Team insiders reveal Lawson left Shanghai International Circuit already aware of his impending demotion back to sister team Racing Bulls.

Tsunoda's Storybook Opportunity

The Japanese driver (24) will:

• Make his Red Bull debut at his home Grand Prix
• Become Verstappen's third teammate in four races
• Benefit from Honda's final involvement as engine partner

"This might be Red Bull's most ruthless driver move yet," noted F1 analyst Nate Saunders.

Behind the Bombshell Decision

Christian Horner, previously opposed to promoting Tsunoda, was reportedly impressed by:

• The Japanese driver's strong pace in 2025
• Consistent top-10 performances for Racing Bulls
• Strategic errors costing him points (Bahrain, Jeddah)

Current Red Bull Teammate Timeline:

1. Sergio Perez (Bahrain)
2. Liam Lawson (Australia-China)
3. Yuki Tsunoda (Japan onward)

Industry Reaction

Many paddock insiders argue Tsunoda deserved the 2025 seat initially. His promotion:

• Rewards five years in Red Bull's junior program
• Capitalizes on surging Japanese F1 popularity
• Provides crucial local marketing opportunities

Lawson will reunite with fellow rookie Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls, as Red Bull continues its tradition of bold personnel moves.

Editor's Note: This marks the earliest mid-season replacement since Daniil Kvyat's 2016 demotion.