Yuki Tsunoda to drive for Red Bull Racing from the 2025 Japan Grand Prix

Published on 27 March 2025 by Niels Hendrix

Following a difficult opening period to the season for Liam Lawson, Oracle Red Bull Racing have made the decision that from the 2025 Japan GP, Yuki Tsunoda will drive for Red Bull Racing and Lawson will drive for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.

Red Bull are in the unique position of having four seats on the Formula 1 grid, across Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls. And as such, the team have made the decision to exercise a driver rotation, that will see Tsunoda partner current and four-time world champion, Max Verstappen.

Christian Horner, team principal and CEO, said: “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. 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.”

Horner added: “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 experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.”