Red Bull team boss and CEO Christian Horner has released a statement detailing the team's decision to replace Liam Lawson after just two races of the 2025 season.
The news Lawson would be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda from the Japanese Grand Prix was made official on Thursday morning, as Red Bull confirmed Lawson's departure with a rather blunt social media post.
Lawson's demotion makes him the shortest serving Red Bull driver in F1 history with just two Grand Prix to his name, and the 23-year-old Kiwi will now return to Racing Bulls where he spent the latter stages of the 2024 season.
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Following the news, Horner released a statement claiming the decision was made due to Red Bull's goal to reclaim the constructors championship.
"It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch," he began.
"We came into the 2025 season, with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers' Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors' title and this is a purely sporting decision."
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Horner admitted Lawson wasn't the only one to blame for his poor start due to the Red Bull car's struggles, but claimed Tsunoda's extra experience gave them a better chance of turning it around.
"We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car. We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21," Horner added.
The 51-year-old's statement also confirmed Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater's report that Lawson was dropped as a 'duty of care', and a return to the 'familiar' RB team could help his career.
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"We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well."
Topics: Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, Liam Lawson, Motorsport
Tom Jenkins