In a move that signals the dawn of a new era at Red Bull Racing, Liam Lawson has been chosen to replace Sergio Perez and partner reigning champion Max Verstappen for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The decision, which team principal Christian Horner admitted was a “tight” call, has sidelined Yuki Tsunoda despite his most successful campaign yet.
The Lawson Edge
Lawson, with only 11 Formula 1 starts under his belt, has leapfrogged Tsunoda in the Red Bull pecking order. While the Japanese driver showcased impressive performances and even tested the RB20 post-season, Red Bull’s deep dive into analytics tipped the scales in Lawson’s favor.
Horner highlighted Lawson’s “gritty racer mentality” and adaptability as key factors in the decision. “You put him into a situation, he gets on with it,” Horner said. The Kiwi’s debut at Zandvoort, stepping in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo, left a lasting impression as Lawson held his own against Verstappen in his very first out-lap.
Red Bull also cited Lawson’s “mental resilience” and race pace, which edged out Tsunoda’s in their detailed evaluations. “His qualifying pace was tight with Yuki, but his racecraft and ability to adapt quickly give him the higher ceiling,” Horner explained.
Tsunoda’s Missed Opportunity
For Tsunoda, this marks another painful near-miss. After four seasons with Red Bull’s junior team, he had hoped 2024—his strongest year yet—would earn him the coveted promotion. The Japanese driver impressed during the Abu Dhabi tyre test, but it wasn’t enough to secure the Red Bull seat.
Horner praised Tsunoda’s speed and experience, noting, “Yuki is a very fast driver with three or four seasons of experience. He did a very good job in the tyre test, but ultimately, we had to look at long-term potential.”
Tsunoda will remain part of the Red Bull ecosystem in 2025, starting the season with Red Bull’s sister team. Horner hinted that the Japanese driver could still have a shot at a future promotion: “Yuki is on standby should we ever need him.”
Lawson’s Versatility and Rise
Lawson’s rapid rise through the Red Bull system is no accident. Beyond Formula 1, his versatility has been on full display. Horner pointed to Lawson’s year in DTM, where he quickly adapted to Ferrari GT machinery and outperformed experienced teammate Alex Albon.
The 21-year-old Kiwi also caught attention for his fearless racecraft, rubbing wheels with the likes of Fernando Alonso without hesitation. “He’s not afraid to go wheel-to-wheel and even rub wheels where necessary,” Horner said.
Lawson’s work ethic and ability to learn on the fly have won over Red Bull engineers, further cementing his place alongside Verstappen in 2025.
The Stakes for Red Bull
Replacing Perez with Lawson is a bold gamble for Red Bull. Perez’s experience played a crucial role in securing constructors’ titles and supporting Verstappen’s dominance. Lawson, while promising, faces immense pressure to match Verstappen’s level and deliver consistent results.
Horner acknowledged the risks: “It’s always a gamble when you make such a big change, but we believe Liam has what it takes to thrive in this environment.”
What’s Next for Tsunoda?
For Tsunoda, the setback is another hurdle in a career filled with highs and near-misses. With Red Bull keeping him in the fold for 2025, the door isn’t completely closed. However, he’ll need to prove once again that he deserves the shot he’s been chasing for years.
2025: A New Chapter Begins
As the 2025 season approaches, Red Bull is placing its faith in a blend of youth and dominance. With Verstappen leading the charge and Lawson set to prove himself, the team is banking on a future-driven lineup to maintain its stranglehold on Formula 1.
The question remains: can Liam Lawson rise to the challenge and solidify himself as a cornerstone of Red Bull’s next generation, or will Yuki Tsunoda’s patient wait eventually pay off? One thing is certain—the stakes for Red Bull, and for both drivers, have never been higher.
