In a move that marks the start of a new era for Red Bull Racing, Liam Lawson has been chosen to replace Sergio Perez and partner reigning champion Max Verstappen for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The decision, which team principal Christian Horner admitted it was a “difficult” choice, sidelining Yuki Tsunoda despite his most successful campaign yet.
The Lawson Advantage
Lawson, with just 11 Formula 1 appearances, has overtaken Tsunoda in the Red Bull hierarchy. While the Japanese driver showed impressive performances and even tested the RB20 post-season, Red Bull’s in-depth analysis tipped the scales in Lawson’s favor.
Horner highlighted the “tough runner mentality” and Lawson’s adaptability as key factors in the decision. “You put him in a situation, and he goes to work,” Horner said. The Kiwi’s debut at Zandvoort, taking over from the injured Daniel Ricciardo, left a lasting impression as Lawson held his own against Verstappen in his very first outing.
Red Bull also cited the “mental resilience” and Lawson’s race pace, which surpassed those of Tsunoda in their detailed assessments. “His qualifying pace was similar to Yuki’s, but his racing ability and ability to adapt quickly give him greater potential,” Horner explained.
Tsunoda’s Missed Opportunity
For Tsunoda, this marks another painful missed opportunity. After four seasons with Red Bull’s junior team, he hoped that 2024—his best year yet—would grant him a coveted promotion. The Japanese driver impressed during the Abu Dhabi tire test, but it wasn’t enough to secure his place at Red Bull.
Horner praised Tsunoda’s speed and experience, noting, “Yuki is a very fast driver with three or four seasons of experience. He did a great job in the tire test, but in the end, we had to look at the long-term potential.”
Tsunoda will remain part of the Red Bull ecosystem in 2025, starting the season with Red Bull’s sister team. Horner hinted that the Japanese driver might still have a chance for promotion in the future: “Yuki is on standby in case we ever need him.”
Lawson’s Versatility and Rise
Lawson’s rapid rise in the Red Bull system is no coincidence. Beyond Formula 1, his versatility was showcased. Horner highlighted Lawson’s year in the DTM, where he quickly adapted to the Ferrari GT machines and outpaced experienced teammate Alex Albon.
The 21-year-old New Zealander has also attracted attention for his bold driving style, grazing the wheels of the likes of Fernando Alonso without hesitation. “He’s not afraid to go wheel to wheel and even graze the wheels when necessary,” Horner said.
Lawson’s work ethic and ability to learn on the fly won over Red Bull’s engineers, further cementing his place alongside Verstappen in 2025.
Betting for Red Bull
Replacing Perez with Lawson is a bold gamble for Red Bull. Perez’s experience has played a crucial role in securing constructors’ titles and supporting Verstappen’s dominance. Lawson, while promising, faces immense pressure to match Verstappen’s level and deliver consistent results.
Horner acknowledged the risks: “It’s always a gamble when you make such a big change, but we believe Liam has what it takes to thrive in this environment.”
What’s waiting for Tsunoda?
For Tsunoda, the setback is another obstacle in a career full of highs and near-hits. With Red Bull considering it for 2025, the door isn’t completely closed. However, he will have to prove once again that he deserves the opportunity he has been chasing for years.
2025: A New Chapter Begins
As the 2025 season approaches, Red Bull is placing its faith in a mix of youth and dominance. With Verstappen leading the way and Lawson ready to prove his worth, the team is banking on a future-focused lineup to maintain its dominance in Formula 1.
The question remains: can Liam Lawson rise to the challenge and cement himself as a cornerstone of Red Bull’s next generation, or will Yuki Tsunoda’s patient waiting finally bear fruit? One thing is certain: the stakes for Red Bull and both drivers have never been higher.
