Red Bull Racing Reportedly to Replace Liam Lawson in Driver Shake-Up
Formula One team Red Bull Racing has reportedly opted to replace rookie driver Liam Lawson after just two races into the 2025 season, following an underwhelming commencement to the campaign. Despite being selected over Yuki Tsunoda to fill the seat initially, two eliminations in the first qualifying round (Q1), coupled with P15 and P12 finishes in Australia and China respectively, are understood to have prompted the team to pursue a different direction for their driver lineup. This potential driver change is generating considerable buzz within the F1 community.
Emergency Meeting in Dubai Precipitates Driver Decision
According to Dutch news source De Limburger, an urgent meeting convened in Dubai, involving team principal Christian Horner and senior advisor Helmut Marko, resulted in the decision to remove Lawson. Sources suggest Red Bull has identified an alternative competitor already active on the current Formula One grid to take Lawson’s place.
Tsunoda Poised for Red Bull Opportunity
French broadcaster Canal+ indicates that Yuki Tsunoda is anticipated to be Lawson’s replacement. Tsunoda, who was initially passed over for the seat in favour of the New Zealander just months prior, is now expected to be presented with the opportunity to partner Max Verstappen within the premier Red Bull team.
Japanese Grand Prix Targeted for Driver Swap
The rumored transition is expected to occur at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, Tsunoda’s home race and the next event on the Formula One calendar after the current week-long recess. Reports suggest Lawson would then return to the Racing Bulls team, potentially alongside Isack Hadjar.
Lawson’s Performance Under Scrutiny
At the Australian Grand Prix, Lawson qualified in 18th position and subsequently retired from the race due to an incident. He then recorded the slowest times in both the sprint and Grand Prix qualifying sessions in China, ultimately finishing in 16th place.
Performance Metrics and Team Expectations
It is acknowledged that the 23-year-old driver had limited prior experience at both the Australian and Chinese circuits, and reported issues with the RB21 car have been acknowledged by both the team and Verstappen. Nevertheless, Lawson’s failure to score any points, in stark contrast to his teammate’s 36 points, has apparently been deemed unsatisfactory by team management.
Honda’s Influence and Financial Incentive
Sources suggest that this driver selection has the endorsement of Honda, a strong proponent of Tsunoda. Red Bull is believed to have engaged in discussions with the engine supplier regarding their financial contribution to facilitate Tsunoda’s move to partner Verstappen. Reports indicate Honda is willing to provide ‘substantial financial support’ to ensure Tsunoda finally secures a seat at Red Bull Racing.
Lawson’s Prior Comments Resurface
Lawson’s pre-Chinese Grand Prix statements, in which he dismissed any notion of sympathy for Tsunoda after securing the drive his rival had sought, may now be viewed in a different light.
Lawson’s Assertive Stance on Team Selection
Responding to inquiries from The Telegraph, Lawson stated: “Honestly? No. You can’t in this sport, and anyway if I look back over our career, I was teammates with him in F3 and I beat him. In Euro Formula I was teammates with him in New Zealand, and I beat him there.”
Past Performance Comparison
Lawson further asserted his historical advantage over Tsunoda: “And then in F1 last season, I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no. He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”