Liam Lawson’s time with Red Bull Racing has come to an abrupt end following a string of disappointing performances in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite rumors swirling since the Chinese Grand Prix, it was officially confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda would take over Lawson’s seat starting from the Japanese Grand Prix. Lawson will now return to Racing Bulls, Red Bull's sister team, in an effort to regain his form and confidence.
Tough Start to 2025 Season Seals Lawson’s Fate
Lawson’s stint at Red Bull began with high hopes, but the young New Zealander struggled to make an impact. His debut at the Australian Grand Prix ended in disappointment after he crashed out due to challenging conditions. In China, Lawson’s struggles continued, where he qualified P20 in both the sprint and feature race, failing to secure any points. After three consecutive last-place finishes, Red Bull opted for a change, bringing Tsunoda back into the main team.
Lawson’s Emotional Instagram Post: Gratitude Amidst Disappointment
Following the announcement, Lawson took to Instagram to express his emotions, reflecting on the difficult situation while showing gratitude for the opportunity. “Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life,” Lawson wrote. “It’s tough, but I'm grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support, it means the world.”
Despite his disappointment, Lawson expressed optimism about the future. “Thank you @visacashapprb for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places,” he added, referring to his return to Racing Bulls.
Tsunoda’s Maturity Earns Red Bull Recall
While Lawson’s demotion drew mixed reactions, many experts pointed to Yuki Tsunoda’s improved consistency and speed as a key reason for his reinstatement. Tsunoda, who previously raced for Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), demonstrated notable growth in his performances, convincing Red Bull to give him another shot alongside Max Verstappen.
Support and Criticism Pour In
The decision to drop Lawson has sparked varied reactions within the Formula 1 community. Some, like former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, were critical of Red Bull’s handling of young drivers, stating, “Red Bull plays with young drivers' careers and futures nonchalantly.” Others, however, acknowledged that Lawson’s poor form left the team with little choice, with one commenter noting, “Dead last 3 times is a deficit I have never seen. Tsunoda is genuinely fast and has matured. Lawson never should have been given the seat over Yuki in the first place.”
Looking Ahead: A Chance for Redemption at Racing Bulls
Lawson’s demotion does not mark the end of his journey. With his return to Racing Bulls, he has an opportunity to refine his skills and make a strong case for another chance at Red Bull in the future. His mature and graceful response to the situation has kept the door open for potential future opportunities.
As the Formula 1 season progresses, all eyes will be on Lawson’s performance with Racing Bulls, as he seeks to bounce back and prove that he belongs among the elite on the grid.