Key Highlights:

• Yuki Tsunoda is set to replace Liam Lawson at Red Bull Racing for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.
• Lawson struggled in his first two races, prompting a decisive team change.
• Tsunoda will partner Max Verstappen as Red Bull aims for success in the constructors' championship.

In a notable shift for the Formula One season, Red Bull Racing has announced that Yuki Tsunoda will take over from Liam Lawson as the teammate of four-time world champion Max Verstappen at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix on April 4-6. This decision comes after Lawson's underwhelming performances in the first two races of the 2025 season, where he failed to secure a single point, qualifying last in China and crashing out in Australia. The team’s principal, Christian Horner, stated, “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle... [and] collectively we have taken the decision to make an early switch,” as reported by BBC.

Tsunoda, who has shown promise at the Red Bull sister team, Racing Bulls, will partner with Verstappen, marking a significant opportunity in his career given that he faces uncertainty with Honda transitioning to Aston Martin in 2026. Horner emphasized that Tsunoda's experience is critical in helping develop the difficult-to-handle RB21 chassis, which has unveiled performance challenges early in the season.

Lawson, now returning to the sister team, expressed his disappointment regarding the demotion on social media, acknowledging it was “tough” but thanking supporters for their backing. Meanwhile, Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport adviser, conveyed that Lawson could rebuild his career, referencing the success of former Red Bull drivers Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, who thrived after similar demotions. Marko noted, “We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam,” as he transitions back to Racing Bulls, which features rookie Isack Hadjar.

As this new chapter begins for both Tsunoda and Lawson, all eyes will be on the Japanese Grand Prix to see if Tsunoda can enhance Red Bull’s standings while Lawson works to regain his confidence and career trajectory.

For further details, read the complete reports from Al Jazeera, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.