Tsunoda to replace Lawson at Red Bull for Japan GP

In one of the most ruthless moves Formula One has seen in years, Red Bull has reportedly dumped Liam Lawson just two races into the 2025 season, sending shockwaves through the paddock and putting Yuki Tsunoda in the hot seat for next week’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Lawson, 22, endured a nightmare start to life at Red Bull, crashing out in Melbourne and finishing a distant 16th in Shanghai — more than a minute behind teammate Max Verstappen.

The Kiwi’s struggles in qualifying, where he was knocked out in Q1 at both races and started last in Shanghai, raised red flags inside Red Bull headquarters and ultimately sealed his fate.

The decision to swing the axe came after emergency talks in Dubai, home to Red Bull’s majority shareholder, Chalerm Yoovidhya, with engine supplier Honda also reportedly pushing for Tsunoda’s elevation.

The Japanese driver, now in his fifth F1 season, will get the nod for his long-awaited Red Bull debut — and fittingly, it will come at his home race in Suzuka.

The news hasnt effected odds for Red Bull’s chance at the Constructors Championship with top online bookmakers still pricing them at $29.00.

While the team is yet to confirm the bombshell switch, multiple European media outlets and former drivers, including Ralf Schumacher, claim Lawson has already been shown the door.

The demotion to Racing Bulls — or a complete removal from the grid — would mark one of the harshest driver sackings in recent memory.

Critics have pointed fingers not just at Lawson’s form but at the team’s decision-making.

F1 pundits questioned why the team chose a relatively inexperienced Lawson over Tsunoda to begin with, especially knowing the RB21 car would be difficult to handle.

Meanwhile Tsunoda has surged in form and confidence, openly saying he’s ready to grab the opportunity.

“In Japan? Yeah, 100 percent,” he said when asked if he’d take Lawson’s seat — a bold statement that prompted Red Bull’s PR team to swiftly pull him from interviews.

With McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes all threatening Red Bull’s constructors’ crown, the team’s patience has clearly worn thin.

Verstappen can’t carry the fight alone — and Red Bull’s willingness to make such a cutthroat call shows just how desperate they are to stay in the hunt.

For Lawson, it’s a harsh reality check in a sport that rarely offers second chances. For Tsunoda, it’s the long-awaited shot at redemption.

And for Red Bull — it’s just another day in the pressure cooker that is F1.

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