Red Bull to Drop Liam Lawson; Replace Him with Tsunoda: Reports
The Formula 1 (F1) paddock is never short of surprises, and the latest news is no exception. According to reports, Red Bull is set to drop New Zealand’s Liam Lawson from their lineup after just two races in the F1 2025 season. The Austrian team is allegedly planning to replace him with Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda at his home grand prix.
The decision is said to have been reached by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and other team bosses after a meeting in Dubai, the UAE. This news has sent shockwaves through the F1 community, with many fans and pundits left wondering why Lawson, who was given a chance to debut in F1, is being let go so quickly.
Lawson, 22, made his F1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this month, finishing 15th in his Red Bull Racing car. He was expected to continue racing for the team, but it appears that his time with the Austrian outfit is already coming to an end.
Tsunoda, 22, is a familiar face in F1, having previously driven for AlphaTauri (now rebranded as Scuderia AlphaTauri) from 2021 to 2022. The Japanese driver has a wealth of experience in junior formulas, including the Formula 2 Championship, and was expected to be a strong contender for a seat in F1.
The decision to drop Lawson and replace him with Tsunoda is likely to be a strategic one, with Red Bull looking to capitalize on Tsunoda’s experience and expertise. Tsunoda’s familiarity with F1 and his ability to adapt quickly to new cars and tracks could be an advantage for the team, particularly in the highly competitive world of F1.
However, the sudden decision to drop Lawson has raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether the New Zealander was given a fair chance to prove himself. Lawson’s performance at the Australian Grand Prix was solid, if not spectacular, but it seems that Red Bull has already lost patience with him.
The news has also sparked speculation about Lawson’s future in F1. Will he be able to find a new seat for the upcoming races, or will he have to return to junior formulas to regain his form? Only time will tell, but for now, it seems that Lawson’s time in F1 is coming to an end.
Red Bull’s decision to drop Lawson and replace him with Tsunoda is a bold move, but it’s one that could pay off in the long run. With Tsunoda’s experience and expertise, Red Bull may be able to capitalize on his strengths and improve their performance on the track.
As the F1 season continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how Lawson and Tsunoda fare in their respective roles. Will Lawson be able to bounce back from this setback and find a new seat in F1, or will Tsunoda prove to be a key player for Red Bull?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the F1 paddock is never short of surprises, and the latest news is just another example of the constant drama and intrigue that surrounds this exciting and unpredictable sport.
