Red Bull decided to drop Liam Lawson for the highly awaited Japanese Grand Prix. The news follows Lawson’s disappointing performances during the opening two races of the 2025 season, prompting the young New Zealander to be dumped from the squad for the race ahead.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner confirmed the change, saying that Lawson struggled to adapt to the car. “It’s been a difficult beginning for Liam. We had great hopes, but the performance hasn’t come up to what we required,” Horner explained the surprise change.
Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda is now favored, with home advantage and experience in tow at the Red Bull camp. The move is interpreted as a tactical one to enhance Red Bull’s prospects at Suzuka, where Tsunoda enjoys a good following and has experience of the circuit.
Speculation surrounds Lawson’s Formula 1 future as the team scrambles to rejig its roster. There are some that think he could make his way back mid-season, yet for others, it is clear indication that the driver is perhaps near the end with Red Bull.
