Red Bull replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after two races

Liam Lawson’s dramatic axing after just two races with Red Bull has been confirmed by the Formula One team.

Red Bull said they had a “duty of care to protect” Lawson after demoting him to Racing Bulls and replacing him with Yuki Tsunoda for the Japanese driver’s home race in Suzuka a week on Sunday.

New Zealander Lawson’s time at Red Bull was plunged into uncertainty after a desperate weekend in China. He qualified last for both the sprint race and the Grand Prix. He also crashed out on his debut for Red Bull in Melbourne a week earlier.

Lawson then finished 12th in the main event in Shanghai, 81 seconds behind winner Oscar Piastri, and team principal Christian Horner refused to confirm that he would remain in their car for a third appearance in Japan.

A decision was taken in the aftermath of Sunday’s race by Red Bull to send Lawson back to Racing Bulls and promote Tsunoda, who had originally been overlooked for the seat.

“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,” explained Horner in a statement released by Red Bull on Thursday.

“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