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Honda Power Move: Red Bull Swaps Lawson for Tsunoda in High-Stakes Formula 1 Shake-Up

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
March 26, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Honda Power Move: Red Bull Swaps Lawson for Tsunoda in High-Stakes Formula 1 Shake-Up

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 10: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage during Formula 1 testing at Yas Marina Circuit on December 10, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202412100493 // Usage for editorial use only //

As the motorsport world buzzes with anticipation, Red Bull Racing is on the verge of making a seismic driver change that could shake up the Formula 1 grid. The team is expected to announce the replacement of Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, a move that signals a strategic shift with significant backing from Red Bull’s engine partner, Honda.

Tsunoda’s Rise: A Boost from Honda

Yuki Tsunoda, a driver who has long been supported by Honda, is set to make his debut with Red Bull Racing at Suzuka, a race track owned by the Japanese automaker. This anticipated promotion offers a golden opportunity for Honda, which has not seen a Japanese driver on the podium in over a decade. While Red Bull and Honda will part ways at the end of the year, Honda remains committed to Tsunoda’s success, even outside its immediate sphere.

Honda’s support of Tsunoda is well-documented, having funded his seat at Red Bull’s sister team and facilitated his post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year. With Honda’s financial and marketing backing, Tsunoda’s transition to Red Bull Racing is all but confirmed.

Lawson’s Short-Lived Stint

Liam Lawson’s tenure at Red Bull Racing has been turbulent, to say the least. After replacing Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate at the start of the season, Lawson’s performance has been underwhelming. He faced a disastrous outing in Australia, crashing out in the rain after a poor qualifying session. His struggles continued in China, where he qualified last and finished 16th in the main race.

With mounting pressure, team bosses began to question Lawson’s position even before his second race concluded. Reports suggest that a meeting in Dubai with Red Bull’s senior figures, including Thai majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya, sealed Lawson’s fate.

The High Stakes of Suzuka

Tsunoda’s debut at Red Bull Racing is not only a homecoming at the Japanese Grand Prix but also a strategic move that will see him participate in a high-profile show run in Tokyo just days before the race. This marks a significant endorsement and a career-defining moment for Tsunoda, who has expressed his eagerness to step into the faster Red Bull car.

For Lawson, missing out on the Japanese Grand Prix is a bitter pill to swallow, especially as Suzuka is a track he knows well from his Super Formula and AlphaTauri days. He now faces the challenge of rebuilding his confidence and reputation at Red Bull’s second team, a move that is facilitated by the flexible nature of Red Bull’s driver contracts.

The Need for Speed and Emotional Resilience

Tsunoda was initially seen as a frontrunner to replace Perez due to his experience and form at Red Bull’s second team. However, doubts about his emotional control and ability to handle the pressure alongside Verstappen delayed his promotion. Nonetheless, his performances have impressed Red Bull’s senior figures, leading to this long-awaited opportunity.

As Tsunoda prepares to take the wheel at Red Bull Racing, he remains optimistic and ready to embrace the challenges ahead. His statement in China reflects his readiness, declaring his excitement to drive a faster car, especially at his home race.

In conclusion, the impending driver swap at Red Bull Racing is a dramatic development in the Formula 1 landscape, underscoring the high-stakes world of motorsport where performance and strategic alliances play a crucial role. With Honda’s backing and a home race debut, Tsunoda’s entry into Red Bull Racing could mark the beginning of a new era for Japanese drivers in Formula 1.

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