Yuki Tsunoda has been confirmed to step up to Red Bull from F1 Japanese GP onward, as Liam Lawson is demoted back to Visa Cash App RB.
Already during the F1 Chinese GP, there were reports about Red Bull deciding to get Tsunoda on board and demoting Lawson to Visa Cash App RB from as early as next weekend’s Japanese GP at Suzuka – home event for the former.
Christian Horner stayed away from confirming it, but didn’t deny as well. He noted about going through the data before taking any decision. In the last few days, various European media from Netherlands and France, confirmed for it to be happening.
In two days time, Red Bull has now confirmed that Tsunoda will step to the senior team from Japanese GP onward alongside Max Verstappen. The Japanese driver will be his sixth teammate after Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon, Sergio Perez and Lawson.
Reports has suggested Honda’s hand in the decision making process. Lawson, meanwhile, will move back to Visa Cash App RB alongside Isack Hadjar. In the press release, Red Bull noted about the difficult start to the 2025 F1 season for the Kiwi.
They stressed on Red Bull being in a situation where they can choose from four drivers as well, where they have activated their driver rotation clause. “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,” said Horner.
“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. 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. We have a duty of care 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, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well.”
At the same time, Laurent Mekies added: “We’re incredibly proud of Yuki earning his well-deserved move to Oracle Red Bull Racing! His progress last year, and more recently from the very start of 2025, has been nothing less than sensational. Personally, and collectively, it has been an immense privilege to witness those progresses for all of us in Faenza and in Milton Keynes.
“Yuki’s energy and positivity has lightened up every corner of our factories and of our garage and he will always be a Racing Bull! We wish him all the success he deserves at ORBR. 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.
“He fit in so well last year, and we cannot wait to challenge ourselves and grow as a Team. With Isack having started so strongly with us already, we know we have a young and strong lineup.”
Here’s Max Verstappen on positive Chinese GP
Here’s Christian Horner on Liam Lawson situation
