F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2025: Yuki Tsunoda to replace Liam Lawson at Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda will race for Red Bull from his home Japanese Formula One Grand Prix next week with New Zealander Liam Lawson demoted back to sister team Racing Bulls in a straight-seat swap.

Lawson, preferred to the more experienced Tsunoda when former champion Red Bull dropped Mexican Sergio Perez at the end of last year, has yet to score as teammate of four-time world champion Max Verstappen.

“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,” Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said in a statement on Thursday.

Tsunoda has been backed through his career by Honda, Red Bull’s engine partner until the end of this season and also owners of the Suzuka circuit that hosts the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6.