Red Bull’s Shocking Swap: Why Lawson Was Dropped for Tsunoda After Just 2 Races
In one of the most ruthless moves in recent F1 history, Red Bull Racing has dropped Liam Lawson after just two races, replacing him with Yuki Tsunoda ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix . The decision has sent shockwaves through the paddock, raising questions about Red Bull’s driver management, Lawson’s future, and whether Tsunoda can handle the pressure of partnering Max Verstappen.
This article dives deep into:
✔ Why Red Bull made this unprecedented swap
✔ Lawson’s disastrous start & Tsunoda’s golden opportunity
✔ What this means for Red Bull’s 2025 season
✔ Expert reactions & historical comparisons
Let’s break it all down.
Why Did Red Bull Swap Lawson for Tsunoda?
1. Lawson’s Catastrophic Start
Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull was supposed to be a dream debut—instead, it turned into a nightmare. His results in the first two races were among the worst in Red Bull’s history:
- Qualified 18th (Australia), 20th (China Sprint & GP)
- Crashed out in Australia, finished 14th (Sprint) & 12th (GP) in China (only due to disqualifications ahead)
- 0.88s slower than Verstappen in qualifying
Red Bull’s Christian Horner admitted Lawson was “frazzled” and “at a loss,” forcing the team to act quickly .
2. Tsunoda’s Strong 2025 Form
While Lawson struggled, Tsunoda has been one of Racing Bulls’ standout performers:
- Qualified P5 (Australia) & P9 (China)
- Finished P6 in the China Sprint
- More experienced (87 F1 starts vs. Lawson’s 11)
Red Bull believes his experience will help develop the struggling RB21 .
3. The Constructors’ Championship Crisis
Red Bull is already 42 points behind McLaren in the constructors’ standings—largely due to Lawson’s failure to score . With Verstappen fighting for wins, they needed a stronger No. 2 driver fast.
Key Questions Answered
❓ Why Was Lawson Promoted Over Tsunoda Initially?
Red Bull valued Lawson’s mental resilience over Tsunoda’s experience, believing he could handle Verstappen’s dominance . However, his confidence collapsed under pressure .
❓ Is This the Fastest Driver Swap in F1 History?
Almost. While Yuji Ide (2006, 4 races) and Nyck de Vries (2023, 10 races) were dropped quickly, Lawson’s two-race stint is unprecedented for Red Bull .
❓ Can Tsunoda Succeed Where Lawson Failed?
He’ll face immense pressure—especially at his home race in Suzuka. But with Honda’s backing and strong recent form, he has a real shot .
❓ What’s Next for Lawson?
He returns to Racing Bulls, mirroring Pierre Gasly’s 2019 redemption arc . If he rebuilds confidence, a future Red Bull return isn’t impossible.
Conclusion: A Ruthless But Necessary Move?
Red Bull’s decision was brutal but logical—they couldn’t afford Lawson’s struggles in a tight title fight. Now, all eyes are on Tsunoda to prove he belongs alongside Verstappen.
Will this swap save Red Bull’s season? Or is the real problem the RB21’s performance? Let us know your thoughts!
