In a daring move, Red Bull is rumored to be replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda in the upcoming Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, as per various reports. This shakeup comes after Lawson, initially picked to run the 2025 season with Red Bull, faced a series of disappointing performances. The Milton Keynes-based team had high hopes for Lawson, but his journey so far has been fraught with challenges.
Lawson’s journey with Red Bull got off to a rocky start with an early exit and a ‘Did Not Finish’ (DNF) status at the Australian season-opener. His struggles didn’t end there; Lawson also ended up last in the qualifying rounds in Shanghai, leading to another zero-point result. Amid a whirlwind of speculation, it seems Red Bull may have decided to show Lawson the exit.
Broadcasting channel Canal+ and Dutch media outlet De Limburger have led the charge in reporting this potential swap between Tsunoda and Lawson. This move comes ahead of Tsunoda’s home Grand Prix, scheduled for next weekend.
Parallel reports suggest that Honda, a pivotal player in Tsunoda’s racing career, is ready to finance this transition by paying millions. This move is seen as Honda’s bid to secure the Japanese driver a spot next to Max Verstappen, despite Honda’s plans to sever ties with Red Bull at the end of this season.
When questioned about the possible shift, Tsunoda expressed his eagerness to take the wheel of the Red Bull at Suzuka. He firmly believes that the Red Bull is superior to his current VCARB 02.
Meanwhile, Verstappen has been vocal about his belief that Lawson would perform better at Racing Bulls. Despite these sentiments, there’s been no official statement from Red Bull.
However, the old adage ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire’ seems to resonate here. Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko, has been singing praises of Tsunoda, following an impressive start to the 2025 campaign.
A visibly impressed Marko told Autosport, “Yuki is a different Yuki from the years before. He is in the form of his life.” He also noted Tsunoda’s changed management and a more mature approach to his career.
While the rumors continue to swirl around Tsunoda potentially replacing Lawson, only time will tell if this speculated move will become a reality. If it does, it promises to add an exciting new chapter to the narrative of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
