Liam Lawson takes Yuki Tsunoda's Red Bull F1 seat for 2025

In light of the recent shifts in Formula 1 team lineups, several drivers have either secured or lost their positions for the upcoming season. Franco Colapinto, who is 21 years old, impressed in his debut performances for Williams in 2024 but faced setbacks due to two significant crashes that affected the interest from major teams such as Red Bull and Alpine. As 2025 approaches, Carlos Sainz has been confirmed as a driver alongside Alex Albon at Williams, while Liam Lawson has been promoted to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull, leaving Colapinto without a seat in the main F1 grid. Williams chief James Vowles confirmed that Colapinto will partake in a historic car testing program as a reserve driver while also pursuing racing opportunities in other series, like the World Endurance Championship or European Le Mans Series. Additionally, Isack Hadjar has been confirmed to partner Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull's sister team, Racing Bulls, completing the 2025 grid. Hadjar, aged 20, previously finished as runner-up in the Formula 2 championship, showcasing his talent and readiness to ascend to Formula 1, matching a trajectory similar to that of Tsunoda. The Racing Bulls team principal expressed confidence in Hadjar's ability to deliver and grow within the team alongside the experienced Tsunoda, who has recorded impressive statistics in his career thus far. In contrast, Tsunoda, now entering his prime at age 24, was overlooked in favor of Lawson, despite having a solid season with the most top-10 finishes of his career. He was reportedly outperformed by Lawson in various analytics, creating a surprising yet strategic shift for Red Bull as they aim to stay competitive against top-tier teams like Mercedes and Ferrari. This has raised questions about team dynamics as experienced drivers like Tsunoda adapt to working with less experienced teammates. Overall, the developments highlight the competitive nature of Formula 1, where every race and decision can significantly shape a driver's career. The situation of Colapinto demonstrates the unpredictable outcomes and the need for resilience as various options in motorsport remain open for him to stay relevant in the racing community while eyeing a potential return to Formula 1 in the future.