AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Red Bull’s Shocking Decision: The Truth Behind the Lawson-Tsunoda Switch Revealed

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
March 27, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Red Bull’s Liam Lawson Faces Career Crossroads: Coulthard’s Insight on the Upcoming Japanese Grand Prix

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 01: Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App RB and Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Visa Cash App RB look on from the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on December 01, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202412010121 // Usage for editorial use only //

Red Bull’s Shocking Driver Swap: Tsunoda In, Lawson Out—The Inside Story

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, Red Bull has executed a dramatic driver switch, sidelining Liam Lawson after just two race weekends and reinstating Yuki Tsunoda for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix. This surprising decision comes as the team battles to salvage its 2025 season amidst struggles with a challenging new car.

Red Bull’s Stakeholders Demand Change

The decision to swap Lawson for Tsunoda wasn’t made lightly. Red Bull’s top brass, including Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, concluded that an immediate change was essential. With Lawson lagging significantly behind team leader Max Verstappen, concerns grew over his ability to adapt to the difficult-to-handle RB21. Despite Lawson being previously hailed as a driver with higher potential than Tsunoda, his initial performances failed to meet expectations.

Horner’s Strategic Shift

Christian Horner, known for favoring stability, acknowledged the necessity of this abrupt change. He emphasized the importance of Tsunoda’s experience in aiding the development of the RB21, which has proven to be a more demanding machine than anticipated. The early-season struggles have left Red Bull with less than half the points of championship leader McLaren, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

A Season of Unmet Expectations

Red Bull’s 2025 campaign has not unfolded as planned. The team anticipated fielding a car that would be more accommodating to drivers, allowing Lawson to integrate quickly and contribute to a title pursuit. Unfortunately, the RB21 requires more refinement than initially thought, and Lawson’s inability to acclimate swiftly has hindered progress.

Lawson’s Struggles and Red Bull’s Broader Problems

Lawson’s difficulties were starkly evident during the Chinese Grand Prix, where he seemed lost amid the RB21’s quirks. His lack of pace and experience made it challenging for him to offer valuable feedback, prompting Red Bull to reassess its strategy. There’s speculation that previous second-driver issues and a degree of technical overconfidence may have led Red Bull to overlook critical feedback from Verstappen, who has long voiced concerns over car performance.

The Personal and Professional Dimensions of the Decision

Horner described the driver swap as a “purely sporting decision,” emphasizing its necessity for the team’s championship ambitions. However, he also acknowledged a “duty of care” towards Lawson, suggesting that stepping back to Racing Bulls could help rebuild his confidence after a tough start to the season. Red Bull hopes Lawson can enhance his F1 knowledge in a less pressured environment.

Tsunoda’s Role and Verstappen’s Concerns

Tsunoda’s return offers Red Bull a chance to recalibrate and gain deeper insights into the RB21’s issues. Yet, questions linger about whether he can provide the feedback needed to address the car’s limitations. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s camp reportedly remains apprehensive, fearing that Red Bull might not fully grasp how to tackle the RB21’s challenges.

As the dust settles on this unexpected driver swap, all eyes will be on Red Bull’s performance in Japan and beyond, as the team strives to turn its season around and reclaim its position at the forefront of Formula 1 racing.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

VIDEO – Red Flag After Massive Impact: Both Drivers Walk Away From Scary High-Speed Crash
Motorsports

VIDEO – Red Flag After Massive Impact: Both Drivers Walk Away From Scary High-Speed Crash

The Asian Le Mans Series 2026 final was red-flagged after only 18 laps following a heavy off-track incident involving Michael...

by Redação
February 8, 2026
Sebastien Buemi ignites passion for Formula E future after thrilling Gen4 debut experience
Motorsports

Sebastien Buemi ignites passion for Formula E future after thrilling Gen4 debut experience

Sebastien Buemi's Future in Formula E Hangs in the Balance After Thrilling Gen4 Debut In a stunning twist that has...

by Redação
February 8, 2026
Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad impresses: is he the next Isack Hadjar in Formula 2?
Motorsports

Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad impresses: is he the next Isack Hadjar in Formula 2?

Garth Milan / Red Bull Content Pool

by Simon Monroy
February 8, 2026
Denny Hamlin shattered dreams as 19-year-old Connor Zilisch claims Richard Petty’s iconic honor
Motorsports

Denny Hamlin shattered dreams as 19-year-old Connor Zilisch claims Richard Petty’s iconic honor

Denny Hamlin's Hopes Dashed: 19-Year-Old Connor Zilisch Claims Coveted Richard Petty Driver of the Year Award In a stunning turn...

by Carl Smith
February 8, 2026

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

VIDEO – Red Flag After Massive Impact: Both Drivers Walk Away From Scary High-Speed Crash

VIDEO – Red Flag After Massive Impact: Both Drivers Walk Away From Scary High-Speed Crash

February 8, 2026
Sebastien Buemi ignites passion for Formula E future after thrilling Gen4 debut experience

Sebastien Buemi ignites passion for Formula E future after thrilling Gen4 debut experience

February 8, 2026
Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad impresses: is he the next Isack Hadjar in Formula 2?

Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad impresses: is he the next Isack Hadjar in Formula 2?

February 8, 2026
Denny Hamlin shattered dreams as 19-year-old Connor Zilisch claims Richard Petty’s iconic honor

Denny Hamlin shattered dreams as 19-year-old Connor Zilisch claims Richard Petty’s iconic honor

February 8, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

MSports Play Icon
MSports Play
The New streaming service
Download
×
No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.