Liam Lawson has been brutally dropped by Red Bull after just two races of the 2025 F1 season – with Yuki Tsunoda replacing the New Zealander to land a debut for the team at his home race in Japan next week.
Lawson has endured a torrid opening two races as Max Verstappen’s teammate: he crashed out of the season-opening Australian GP and qualified last on the grid, twice, in China. He finished the grand prix in 12th, after three post-race disqualifications.
The writing looked somewhat on the wall on Sunday night when Red Bull team principal Christian Horner refused to rule out an early-season swap, with Racing Bulls driver Tsunoda the obvious candidate to step up.
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F1 NEWS - LATEST UPDATES
- NEW: Liam Lawson dropped by Red Bull for Japan GP
- Yuki Tsunoda replaces Lawson for his home race in Suzuka
- Max Verstappen 'reacts' to Liam Lawson demotion in unexpected way
- READ: The numbers behind Yuki Tsunoda’s battle with Liam Lawson over Red Bull F1 seat
- COMMENT: Lewis Hamilton’s shock disqualification tells us one thing: Ferrari have hit rock bottom
'It makes sense that Red Bull dropped Lawson'
12:40
,
Mike Jones
Jacques Villeneuve spoke about Liam Lawson’s demotion and claimed that Red Bull’s decision ‘makes sense’.
The former F1 world champion told NZCasino:
“It makes sense [for Red Bull to drop Liam Lawson] because you can have a one bad race, but not two in a row on the same track and not in a Red Bull. That's the problem. Had he been in a Sauber, it would have been okay but not in a Red Bull. Not when the other guy, in this case Max Verstappen, manages to be close to the front, even with a difficult car.
“Lawson does have the experience because he was in a bunch of races last year. When they were teammates Yuki Tsunoda was quicker. Red Bull needed to do something. I don’t think Lawson right now is driving to his full potential. Mentally he is crushed, and it is hard to step out of that.
“But that’s the price you pay when you get to a big team. It either works right away or you get dropped. That is the risk you are willing to take so you have to accept it.
“But he will still be racing in F1. He has the same contract. It doesn't change the contract the drivers have. They are Red Bull drivers.”
Liam Lawson pays price for ‘arrogance’ after Red Bull axe, says former F1 champion
12:26
,
Mike Jones
Jacques Villeneuve believes Liam Lawson has paid the price for being “very arrogant” after the New Zealander was dropped by Red Bull following just two races.
Lawson, 23, endured a torrid first two races this season, crashing out in Australia and qualifying last on the grid, twice, in China. The Kiwi acknowledged he did “not have time” on his side as he looked to turn around his form.
Max Verstappen reacts to Red Bull axing Liam Lawson with telling Instagram like
12:20
,
Mike Jones
Max Verstappen has pointedly liked an Instagram post suggesting Liam Lawson’s axing is “closer to bullying” and a “panic move” after Red Bull made a shock early-season driver switch.
New Zealand racer Lawson has been dropped to junior team Racing Bulls after a torrid first two races of the season in Australia and China, with Yuki Tsunoda promoted for his home race in Japan next week.
Yet Verstappen, who admitted the 2025 Red Bull car was difficult to drive in Shanghai, is said to be unhappy with Red Bull’s decision and his activity on social media backs that view up.
Lewis Hamilton’s shock disqualification tells us one thing: Ferrari have already hit rock bottom
12:14
,
Mike Jones
Twenty-four hours is a long time in Formula One. Just on Saturday, Lewis Hamilton was riding high, optimism radiating, after his first taste of victory in the famous Ferrari red, albeit in the shorter sprint format.
By Sunday night, long after dusk fell in Shanghai, the Briton and his beleaguered team had hit rock bottom.
Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc’s disqualification from the Chinese Grand Prix represents a new nadir for Ferrari, just two races into the 2025 F1 season.
F1 constructor standings after Chinese Grand Prix
12:03
,
Mike Jones
1. McLaren - 78 points
2. Mercedes - 57 points
3. Red Bull - 36 points
4. Williams - 17 points
5. Ferrari - 17 points
6. Haas - 14 points
7. Aston Martin - 10 points
8. Sauber - 6 points
9. Racing Bulls - 3 points
10. Alpine - 0 points
F1 driver standings after Chinese Grand Prix
11:54
,
Mike Jones
1. Lando Norris – 44 points
2. Max Verstappen – 36 points
3. George Russell – 35 points
4. Oscar Piastri – 34 points
5. Kimi Antonelli – 22 points
6. Alex Albon – 16 points
7. Esteban Ocon – 10 points
8. Lance Stroll – 10 points
9. Lewis Hamilton – 9 points
10. Charles Leclerc – 8 points
11. Nico Hulkenberg – 6 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda – 3 points
13. Ollie Bearman – 1 point
14. Carlos Sainz – 1 point
15. Pierre Gasly – 0 points
16. Isack Hadjar – 0 points
17. Jack Doohan – 0 points
18. Gabriel Bortoleto – 0 points
19. Liam Lawson – 0 points
20. Fernando Alonso – 0 points
Lawson sends message to Tsunoda: ‘He’s had his time’
11:45
,
Mike Jones
Speaking ahead of losing his seat with Red Bull Liam Lawson was determined to improve his F1 season amid rumours Yuki Tsunoda would replace him.
“If I look back over our career, I was team-mates with him in F3 and I beat him,” Lawson told The Telegraph.
“In Euro Formula I was team-mates with him in New Zealand, and I beat him there. And then in F1 last season, I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no.
“He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”
Yuki Tsunoda lands dream seat – but Red Bull driver must beware F1’s poisoned chalice
11:32
,
Mike Jones
When Yuki Tsunoda was asked at the last race in China whether he would be comfortable stepping up to Red Bull in front of his adoring Japanese fans next week – as outlandish a proposition it seemed at the time – he did not flinch.
“Yeah, why not, 100%,” he said, salivating at the prospect of a shot at the front of the grid. “The car is faster.” And so, in an unprecedented swap just two rounds into a 24-race season, the popular Japanese driver receives a shot in F1’s poisoned chalice: a seat alongside Max Verstappen.
Brown on battle between Verstappen and Norris
11:21
,
Mike Jones
With the turmoil surrounding Red Bull’s second driver it is easy to forget that Max Verstappen is aiming to win a fifth world title.
His biggest challenger this year seems to be Lando Norris and McLaren chief Zak Brown believes his man has the upper hand.
Brown said: “Lando has learned how to race Max. With all the noise last year, Lando was tired of it. He has got his own personality, which people love about him, but others see that as a vulnerability. He is just an honest guy who doesn’t play games.
“This year, he is in a different mindset of like, ‘No, I can beat this guy. I have shown you I can beat this guy. And I am going to beat this guy and I don’t want to hear it anymore’.”
Lawson's struggles in F1
11:11
,
Mike Jones
Liam Lawson has been dropped as Max Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate after just two rounds of the 2025 season.
He was given the Red Bull seat despite not having previously driven a full F1 season and did not score any points.
He crashed out of the Australian Grand Prix and qualified in last place for the Chinese Grand Prix.
Yuki Tsunoda moves up from Red Bull's second team, Racing Bulls, in time for his home Japanese GP next week.
Lawson completed only 11 career F1 races before this season and was typically slower than Tsunoda across their six races as teammates last year.
Horner may be 'vulnerable' at Red Bull
11:00
,
Mike Jones
McLaren boss Zak Brown has claimed rival Christian Horner should be feeling “vulnerable” as Red Bull team principal.
Brown, who last year steered McLaren to their first constructors’ championship in 26 years, said: “I would think any of us would come under pressure when you are not performing at the highest level, on-track, off-track, with sponsors, relationships, and brands.
“(Technical director) Adrian Newey, Rob Marshall (who joined McLaren from Red Bull as chief designer) and (sporting director) Jonathan Wheatley have all left and if I was in that position, I would feel vulnerable.
“When I go and meet my board, I would not be feeling great. I don’t know how they feel. But I would feel vulnerable.”
Liam Lawson painfully honest after torrid start to Red Bull F1 career: ‘It’s just not good enough’
10:50
,
Mike Jones
Liam Lawson did not make any excuses as he reflected on a torrid start to his Red Bull F1 career at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The Kiwi driver, promoted to be Max Verstappen’s teammate this year as he replaced Sergio Perez, crashed out of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in wet conditions last week
Yet this weekend in Shanghai has been even worse, so far. Lawson qualified dead last for the sprint race on Saturday – though moved up to finish 14th – but did not improve his one-lap pace in grand prix qualifying, finishing last once more.
Red Bull have 'duty of care' for Lawson
10:37
,
Mike Jones
Horner added: “We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and, together, we see that after such a difficult start it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well."
'We made the decision for an early switch'
10:25
,
Mike Jones
"It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the (car) at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch," Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said in a statement.
"We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions, to retain the world drivers' championship and to reclaim the world constructors' title and this is a purely sporting decision."
Yuki Tsunoda replaces Liam Lawson at Red Bull for Japan GP in unprecedented F1 driver swap
10:13
,
Mike Jones
Red Bull have confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson from the Japanese Grand Prix in a shock F1 driver swap just two races into the 2025 F1 season
New Zealander Lawson, 23, had endured a torrid opening two races as Max Verstappen’s teammate. He crashed out of the season-opening Australian GP and qualified last on the grid, twice, in China. He finished the race in 12th after three post-race disqualifications.
Max Verstappen 'reacts' to Liam Lawson demotion
10:02
,
Mike Jones
Max Verstappen has reacted to the news that Liam Lawson has lost his Red Bull but not in the way you expect.
The four-time F1 world champion ‘liked’ a post from former Dutch racing driver Giedo van der Garde on Instagram which cast the blame at Lawson’s demotion on Red Bull.
Van der Garde wrote: ”I’m getting a bit tired of all the comments that F1 is the toughest sport in terms of performances and when you’re underdeliver you’ve gotta face the consequences. Yes, you gotta perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements.
“They [Red Bull] made a decision - fully aware - gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit. Don’t forget the dedication, hard work and success Liam has put in his career so far to achieve the level where he is now. I remember my own blood, sweat and tears - and that was to reach F1.
“Let alone driving for an absolute top team. Yes, he underperformed the first two races - but if anyone’s aware of that it’s himself.
“Perhaps he has suggested this himself, but if not I wish Liam all the strength and courage to get to the grid in Japan. Trust yourself, get your head up, prove them wrong @liamlawson30.”
Horner 'feels very sorry' for Lawson
09:53
,
Mike Jones
Christian Horner said that he “feels very sorry” for Liam Lawson at the Chinese Grand Prix, as he struggled to adapt to the RB21 car.
“I think Liam still has got potential, we’re just not realising that at the moment,” he said.
“I think the problem for him is he’s had a couple of really tough weekends and he’s got all the media on his back.
“The pressure just naturally grows in this business. I feel very sorry for him that he’s… you can see it’s very tough on him at the moment.
“He’s a young guy, we’ve got a duty to look after him. We’re going to do the best that we can to support him. Liam’s still a very capable driver, we know that, we’re just not… for whatever reason, we’re not seeing him able to deliver that at the moment.”
Tsunoda on Red Bull seat
09:44
,
Mike Jones
Yuki Tsunodo spoke after the Chinese Grand Prix about the rumours, now confirmed, that he will be replacing Liam Lawson at Red Bull.
He said: “These things have been going on since last year [after the] first race. Daniel-Checo, myself-Checo, Liam-Checo. It’s a bit of a tradition for our group.
“It’s positive but at the same time, I just have to keep [doing] what I’m doing.
“In the end, they chose this line-up last year at the end of the season. Maybe they have a clear plan for the future, I don’t know.”
What did Christian Horner say when asked about Liam Lawson's future?
09:35
,
Mike Jones
“There’s always going to be speculation in the paddock,” Horner said, when asked whether Red Bull could make a change for Japan (4-6 April).
“I think everything is purely speculative at the moment. As I say, we’ve just finished this race, we’re going to take away the info and have a good look at it.”
Ralf Schumacher on Lawson-Tsunoda Red Bull swap
09:27
,
Mike Jones
Strong quotes from Ralf Schumacher to Sky Germany after the Chinese GP:
“It's unbelievable [...] unbelievably bad from a management perspective.
“I don't understand it at all when you destabilise a good team – Racing Bulls – who are finally doing well with both drivers, and you risk burning out Tsunoda [...] and Lawson then goes back to Racing Bulls and now he'll rebuild there, but it's complete chaos at Red Bull."
The numbers behind Yuki Tsunoda’s battle with Liam Lawson over Red Bull F1 seat
09:18
,
Jack Rathborn
Yuki Tsunoda has officially replaced Liam Lawson at the next F1 race in Japan – his home race – in a huge early-season switch at Red Bull.
Lawson, 23, has been demoted back down to Racing Bulls after a torrid first two rounds of the season in Australia and China, with an announcement confirming the move on Thursday morning.
For Tsunoda, who has been a driver for the junior team since 2021, it is a dream scenario for his home grand prix in Suzuka, as he takes to the cockpit for a front-of-the-pack team for the first time.
The role of Max Verstappen’s teammate has been a poisoned chalice in recent years, but Tsunoda’s form has improved in the last two years and he recently said he “100 per cent” backs himself to perform in the main team if given the opportunity.
But what do the stats say? The Independent takes a look at the numbers behind Tsunoda vs Lawson, in the battle for the Red Bull second seat.
Racing Bulls respond to Lawson-Tsunoda swap
09:10
,
Jack Rathborn
Racing Bulls Team principal Laurent Mekies responds to the seismic move by Red Bull: "We're incredibly proud of Yuki earning his well deserved move to Red Bull Racing!
"His progress last year and more recently from the very start of 2025 has been nothing less than sensational. Personally and collectively, it has been an immense privilege to witness those progresses for all of us in Faenza and in Milton Keynes.
"Yuki's energy and positivity has lightened up every corner of our factories and of our garage and he will always be a Racing Bull. We wish him all the success he deserves at RBR.
"Everyone here at Racing Bulls is looking forward to working with Liam to give him the best environment possible for him to shine in our car and express the talent we all know he has. He fit in so well last year and we cannot wait to challenge ourselves and grow as a team.
"With Isack having started so strongly with us already, we know we have a young and strong line-up."
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner explains decision to drop Liam Lawson
09:02
,
Jack Rathborn
"It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said.
“We came into the 2025 season, with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers' Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors' title and this is a purely sporting decision.
“We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car. We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.
“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well.”
Yuki Tsunoda unveiled as a Red Bull driver after Liam Lawson dropped
08:57
,
Jack Rathborn
Yuki Tsunoda reacts to huge Red Bull driver swap
08:50
,
Jack Rathborn
“Ready for the challenge ahead,” says Yuki Tsunoda in his first words after being promoted to Red Bull.
The Japanese driver will be given a hero’s welcome in Suzuka next week when he makes his debut.
Breaking: Yuki Tsunoda replaces Liam Lawson at Red Bull for Japan GP in unprecedented F1 driver swap
08:46
,
Jack Rathborn
Red Bull have confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson from the Japanese Grand Prix in a shock F1 driver swap just two races into the 2025 F1 season
New Zealander Lawson, 23, had endured a torrid opening two races as Max Verstappen’s teammate. He crashed out of the season-opening Australian GP and qualified last on the grid, twice, in China. He finished the race in 12th after three post-race disqualifications.
As a result, Red Bull have opted for a stunning early-season change with junior team veteran Tsunoda stepping in for his home race at Suzuka next week. Lawson will drive for the junior team, Racing Bulls, partnering rookie Isack Hadjar.
Former Red Bull technician identifies testing Verstappen trait for teammates
08:40
,
Jack Rathborn
“I think one of the things that Max has never been worried about is anyone going faster than him,” Red Bull ambassador and former power unit technician Calum Nicholas said on the High Performance podcast.
“He knows how skilled he is, and it’s a bit of a luxury for him – he knows, if you can find that lap time, he can find a bit more.
“I think, more than anything, it’s resilience. What we’ve seen, certainly with Max’s teammates over the years, is I think what they struggle with is how resilient Max is.
“Like if you have a bad weekend where the car is not great, Max will drag something out of it. I think, for a lot of the drivers that have sat alongside him in the garage, it’s really hard to see.
“It’s really hard to sort of suck up – you might go out and put a great lap in and you think, ‘God, I’ve dragged the most out of that car’, and then Max will find two-tenths on you. Mentally, it really takes its toll on people around him through no fault of Max’s. He’s just there to go the quickest. But it’s a tough one for people to swallow.”
Bernie Collins floats potential reason for Lawson-Tsunoda swap at Red Bull
08:36
,
Jack Rathborn
“We’ve talked a lot about Kimi Antonelli,” Bernie Collins tells Sky F1 when discussing a potential reason for Red Bull to swap out Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda. “The testing that he’s done in that Mercedes. If he was doing the same test in the Williams or the Mercedes-engine car, it’s not giving him the same thing.
“We’ve spoken about how the Red Bull is really tricky to drive. It’s a very specific car. It’s not the same as the Racing Bulls.
“What I’d love to know, what we should have asked Christian is, why did Red Bull not do a similar program to Mercedes with Liam Lawson, or whoever is going to be in the second seat?
“Why was he not doing 60 test days last year in a four-year-old Red Bull?
“It’s going to have the same characteristics. There’s no cost cap limit in that.
“He could have stepped into the car in a much, much stronger position than he currently is.”
Liam Lawson set to be dropped by Red Bull in shock F1 move – with Yuki Tsunoda to replace him
08:29
,
Jack Rathborn
Good morning, we’ll have the latest news in Formula 1 as Red Bull appear poised to make a stunning move to swap drivers ahead of the Japan Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson appears to have had his time, just two races, with Yuki Tsunoda parachuted in for Red Bull in a home Japan Grand Prix.
We’ll bring you the latest news and confirmation, should it materialise today, plus the latest reaction from around F1.
How has Lawson performed so far?
07:46
Australia: qualified 18th; DNF
China: qualified 20th for sprint, finished 15th; qualified 20th for race, finished 12th
Max Verstappen on 2025 Red Bull car after finishing fourth in China GP:
07:03
,
Kieran Jackson
“We set out to do our own pace, the tyres were in a decent shape when we pitted but it’s not how we want to race. A lot to analyse I think, the second stint was more positive and promising.
“I try to do the best I can, not thinking about anything else. Feel good in life in general, that’s what matters the most.”
F1 driver standings after Chinese Grand Prix
06:30
,
Kieran Jackson
1. Lando Norris – 44 points
2. Max Verstappen – 36 points
3. George Russell – 35 points
4. Oscar Piastri – 34 points
5. Kimi Antonelli – 22 points
6. Alex Albon – 16 points
7. Esteban Ocon – 10 points
8. Lance Stroll – 10 points
9. Lewis Hamilton – 9 points
10. Charles Leclerc – 8 points
11. Nico Hulkenberg – 6 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda – 3 points
13. Ollie Bearman – 1 point
14. Carlos Sainz – 1 point
15. Pierre Gasly – 0 points
16. Isack Hadjar – 0 points
17. Jack Doohan – 0 points
18. Gabriel Bortoleto – 0 points
19. Liam Lawson – 0 points
20. Fernando Alonso – 0 points
Christian Horner refuses to rule out Yuki Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson at Red Bull
05:03
,
Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner did not dismiss speculation that Yuki Tsunoda could replace under-fire Liam Lawson at Red Bull for the next F1 race in Japan.
Lawson has endured a torrid opening two races as Max Verstappen’s teammate: he crashed out of the season-opening Australian GP and qualified last on the grid, twice, in China.
The New Zealander himself acknowledged he does “not have time” on his hands to turn around his form, while various outlets reported post-race in Shanghai that Red Bull were considering a shock swap for the Japanese Grand Prix, with Racing Bulls driver Tsunoda in line to replace Lawson.
Full quotes below:
F1 constructor standings after Chinese Grand Prix
04:14
,
Kieran Jackson
1. McLaren - 78 points
2. Mercedes - 57 points
3. Red Bull - 36 points
4. Williams - 17 points
5. Ferrari - 17 points
6. Haas - 14 points
7. Aston Martin - 10 points
8. Sauber - 6 points
9. Racing Bulls - 3 points
10. Alpine - 0 points
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur unhappy with 'joke' broadcast of Hamilton-Leclerc swap in China GP
03:08
,
Kieran Jackson
“This is a joke from FOM (Formula One Management), because the first call came from Lewis to swap. Lewis suggested it.
“But to make the show, to create the mess around the situation, they did not broadcast the first part of the exchange. So I will discuss it with them.
“We have to work for the team and consider the best thing for Ferrari. The collaboration between the two guys (Hamilton and Leclerc) is mega and I cannot complain about it.”
COMMENT: Lewis Hamilton’s shock disqualification tells us one thing: Ferrari have hit rock bottom
02:02
,
Kieran Jackson
Twenty-four hours is a long time in Formula One. Just on Saturday, Lewis Hamilton was riding high, optimism radiating, after his first taste of victory in the famous Ferrari red, albeit in the shorter sprint format.
By Sunday night, long after dusk fell in Shanghai, the Briton and his beleaguered team had hit rock bottom.
Full piece below:
Liam Lawson painfully honest after torrid start to Red Bull F1 career: ‘It’s just not good enough’
01:03
Liam Lawson did not make any excuses as he reflected on a torrid start to his Red Bull F1 career at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The Kiwi driver, promoted to be Max Verstappen’s teammate this year as he replaced Sergio Perez, crashed out of the season-opening