Red Bull Racing has confirmed a significant change in their driver lineup, with Liam Lawson set to swap places with Yuki Tsunoda starting from the Japanese Grand Prix. Lawson’s removal from the senior team follows a challenging start to his full-time Formula 1 career, having only competed in two races at unfamiliar tracks. His recent performances have not met the team’s expectations, leading to his demotion.
Tsunoda, who has spent the last four seasons with Red Bull’s junior team, will now pilot the RB21 in his home race at Suzuka. In contrast, Lawson will return to Racing Bulls, where he initially began his F1 journey. Lawson showcased his talent as a Red Bull junior driver, making his debut in 2023 when he stepped in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo. He delivered a commendable performance, finishing 13th in his first race and acquiring points with a ninth-place finish in Singapore. However, following his promotion to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull, Lawson has struggled, experiencing a disappointing time at the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix.
Critics have suggested that Tsunoda might have been a more logical choice to replace Perez, given his experience and consistent performance in comparison to Lawson. Tsunoda’s recent results include solid qualifications and a strong showing in races, highlighting his potential to contribute to Red Bull’s ambitions. Notably, he finished sixth in the sprint race in China and was on track for more points before an incident undermined his performance.
Red Bull’s decision to promote Tsunoda is reminiscent of their history of quick mid-season driver changes, which often prioritise immediate results and performance. Previous examples include the rapid replacements of Nyck de Vries and Alex Albon, illustrating the team’s willingness to take decisive action when results falter.
While Lawson’s position at Racing Bulls appears secure for the time being, reports indicate that Red Bull is exploring further options, including discussions with Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto. This move could signify a broader strategy within the team to maintain competitive performance as the F1 season progresses.
In summary, Lawrence’s early promise in F1 now faces uncertainty as he returns to a junior role, while Tsunoda seizes an unexpected opportunity to showcase his abilities at Red Bull Racing.