Liam Lawson loses Red Bull seat to Yuki Tsunoda after just two races
- Liam Lawson has struggled in his opening two races with Red Bull, crashing in Australia and finishing poorly in China.
- Rumors of his replacement by Yuki Tsunoda grew after Christian Horner acknowledged the situation in a media briefing.
- The decision appears imminent, leaving Lawson to return to the junior team, Racing Bulls, while Tsunoda steps up for the upcoming race.
In Japan, Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson is reportedly set to be dropped by Red Bull after just two races in the 2025 season. Following disappointing performances, including a crash in the season opener in Australia and qualifying last in both qualifying sessions in China, Red Bull is considering a switch that would see Yuki Tsunoda step in for Lawson at the next race in Suzuka. Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, expressed sympathy for Lawson and acknowledged the pressure he faces but did not dismiss the change as speculative. The decision for the change appears to have been influenced by the lack of points for Lawson and the performances of Tsunoda at Racing Bulls, the sister team. Horner had earlier noted Lawson's potential, emphasizing the need for the team to support him amid media criticism. Earlier reports indicated that Lawson's time in the top team could be limited, leading to discussions about Tsunoda’s promotion due to his experience, particularly in Japan where he will make his debut with the senior team. During discussions about the situation, Tsunoda expressed confidence in his readiness to take the seat if called upon. Ralf Schumacher also pointed out the chaos that may arise from shifting drivers at such an early stage in the season. Lawson's history of outperforming Tsunoda in prior junior formulas was highlighted as he made a firm statement about deserving his place despite the expectations placed on him. As this story develops, it reflects the competitive nature of Formula 1, where team dynamics and performance pressures heavily influence team decisions. The upcoming Japanese Grand Prix will be a significant moment for both drivers as they navigate their careers in high-stakes motorsport, with Lawson looking to recover at Racing Bulls and Tsunoda preparing to prove himself on home soil in a Red Bull car.