Confirmed: Tsunoda to replace Lawson at Red Bull immediately

Red Bull Racing, following extensive reports in the media following the Chinese Grand Prix, have finally confirmed that Lawson will be demoted to the Racing Bulls team while Tsunoda will be given a crack at taming the nasty RB21.

GrandPrix247, based on reliable sources, understands that Honda have played a role in the move, sweetening the deal for Red Bull Racing and putting their money where their mouth is, ensuring that the driver they support, Tsunoda, gets the chance to drive alongside Max Verstappen.

What makes the timing of the decision more special is that Tsunoda will start his Red Bull Racing career in front of his home fans at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. This could be a double-edged sword if the Japanese driver has a tough time on debut with his new team.

Red Bull Racing said in a statement: "Red Bull are in the unique position of having four seats on the Formula One grid, across Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.

"And as such, the Team have made the decision to exercise a driver rotation, that will see Yuki partner current and four-time World Champion, Max Verstappen," the statement added.

Christian Horner, Team Principal and CEO, commented on the switch; he said: "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.

"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" Horner concluded.

Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls also gave his view on the decision; he said: "We're incredibly proud of Yuki earning his well-deserved move to Oracle 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 ORBR.

"Everyone here at VCARB is looking forward to working hard with Liam to give him the best environment possible for him to shine in our car and to express the talent we all know he has," the Frenchman added. "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 lineup," Mekies concluded.