Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda is moving to Red Bull. © APA/afp / FADEL SENNA

Tsunoda is coming: Driver change at Red Bull is fixed

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has a new teammate at Red Bull after just two races of the season.

March 27, 2025

From: apa/dpa/sn

After a disappointing start to the season without a single World Championship point, New Zealander Liam Lawson loses his position as regular driver and is immediately recalled to sister team Racing Bulls. He will be replaced by Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda at his home race next Sunday in Suzuka. The 24-year-old previously drove for Racing Bulls.

"We have a duty 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," said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner regarding Lawson's demotion. As Sergio Perez's successor, the 23-year-old was unable to help launch the Constructors' World Championship mission in Australia and China. This had already failed last year, as Perez failed to score enough points. The title went to McLaren.

Liam Lawson had to vacate his seat. © APA/afp / FADEL SENNA

Instead, Red Bull is now relying on Tsunoda, who was already considered a hot candidate for the cockpit before the season. The Japanese driver has finished 16th (in Australia) and 2025th (in China) in the Racing Bulls' less powerful car this year. "We are incredibly proud that Yuki has made his well-deserved move to Red Bull! His progress over the past year and since the start of XNUMX has been simply sensational," said Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies.