The atmosphere behind the scenes in Formula 1 heated up even before the third race of the 2025 season. In a bold and unexpected move, Red Bull Racing officially announced this Thursday (27th) the replacement of Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda at the wheel of the RB21. The announcement, which hit the paddock like a bombshell, is strategic and makes it clear that the Austrian team is ready to do whatever it takes to return to the top of the Constructors’ Championship.
Picture the tension in the pit lane, the high-pitched scream of engines slicing through the air, engineers fine-tuning every inch of the RB21, as the eyes of the world turn to the team that dominated previous seasons. Red Bull, currently sitting third in the championship with 36 points, 42 behind the surprising leader McLaren needed to react. And they did.
Team principal Christian Horner explained that the decision was made purely based on performance. According to him, Lawson faced serious difficulties adapting to the new car in the opening two races, which compromised the team’s start to the 2025 campaign.
“It’s been tough to watch Liam struggle with the RB21, and as a result, we’ve collectively made the difficult decision to make an early change. We entered this season with two clear objectives: to retain the Drivers’ Championship and reclaim the Constructors’ title. This move is purely sporting,” said Horner.
But the decision goes beyond the track. Horner emphasized that the change is also about protecting the promising future of Liam Lawson in Formula 1, allowing him to continue developing in a more familiar environment the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, a team he knows well.
“We have a duty to protect and develop Liam. After such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly and place him in an environment where he can gain experience and grow,” the team boss stated, reinforcing Red Bull’s long-term commitment to talent.
So why Yuki Tsunoda? The answer is simple: experience. The Japanese driver, who has already shown grit and speed behind the wheel, brings valuable know-how that can directly contribute to the development of the RB21 a car that, according to Horner, still needs major improvements. “Yuki’s experience will be extremely valuable. We’re excited to welcome him to the team and see what he can do in the RB21,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Drivers’ Championship is beginning to take shape. Lando Norris of McLaren leads with 44 points, followed closely by Max Verstappen with 36. George Russell of Mercedes sits third with 35, while Tsunoda still a Racing Bulls driver at the time holds 13th with just three points.
The season has barely started, but the battle is on. With strategic changes and a thirst for victory, Red Bull is ready to ignite the fight in the upcoming races. And now, with Tsunoda on the main grid, the championship enters a new chapter more unpredictable, more intense, and faster than ever.
