In a not-very-surprising turn of events, Red Bull Racing has announced that Liam Lawson will be demoted to their junior team, Racing Bulls, after just two races in the 2025 Formula 1 season. This decision comes as a shock to many fans and analysts – or at least to those who haven’t been paying attention to Red Bull for the last 5 years. For those who have, this is not at all surprising considering Red Bull’s history of swapping out sub performing drivers mid season. Taking his place at Red Bull will be the experienced Japanese driver, Yuki Tsunoda.
Lawson’s Short Stint at Red Bull
Liam Lawson, the young New Zealander, was promoted to Red Bull Racing at the start of the 2025 season, following an impressive performance in the junior categories and a promising stint with Racing Bulls. However, his first two races with Red Bull did not go as planned. Despite showing flashes of speed and potential, Lawson struggled with consistency and faced several technical issues that hampered his performance.
Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, commented on the decision: “Liam is a talented driver with a bright future ahead of him. Unfortunately, the start of this season has been challenging, and we believe that a return to Racing Bulls will allow him to regain his confidence and continue his development.”
Tsunoda Makes the Jump to Red Bull
Yuki Tsunoda, who has been with the Racing Bulls team (formerly named AlphaTauri) since 2021, will be making his debut with the senior Red Bull Racing team. Tsunoda’s consistent performances and growth over the past few seasons have earned him this promotion. Known for his aggressive driving style and determination, Tsunoda is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the team.
Tsunoda expressed his excitement about joining Red Bull Racing: “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to race with Red Bull. It’s a dream come true, and I’m ready to give it my all. I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Implications for the Season
This driver change is expected to have significant implications for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls. For Red Bull, Tsunoda’s experience could provide the stability needed to challenge for podiums and race wins. Meanwhile, Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls will be closely watched as he aims to prove himself and earn another shot at the senior team.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on how these changes impact the dynamics within both teams and their performance on the track. Fans will be eager to see if Tsunoda can make a strong comeback and if Lawson can bounce back from this setback.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, driver movements are always a topic of intense speculation and interest. This latest development is no exception, and it will undoubtedly be a storyline to follow throughout the season.
