Red Bull were forced to 'ban' Liam Lawson from doing one thing in his three months driving for the team

Red Bull were forced to 'ban' Liam Lawson from doing one thing in his three months driving for the team before his ruthless demotion.

The stunning decision comes after Lawson had completed just two races for Red Bull as the New Zealand driver will return to second team Racing Bulls as teammate to French rookie Isack Hadjar.

He has been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who will partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull from the next grand prix in Japan on April 4-6.

Tsunoda, 24, took to social media to comment on his promotion after the news was confirmed by Red Bull.

In a statement, team principal Christian Horner said: "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.

Liam Lawson has been demoted after just two races. Image: Getty

“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.

“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.

“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."

Lawson also shared his views as he released a statement on social media.

"Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life. 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," he wrote on Instagram.

"Thank you @visacashapprb for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places."

A new report has since revealed Red Bull restricted Lawson's social media usage due to the extent of the negativity shown towards him by various fanbases.

According to a Planet F1 source, 'the feeling in the camp was that it was a little too much, too soon, for Lawson - the reality of stepping up as a rookie to race alongside F1’s current talisman, Max Verstappen, under the weight of expectation and the pressure of delivering when his predecessors had not, got to him in ways that weren’t foreseen'.

Lawson qualified 18th in Melbourne and crashed out of the grand prix. In China, he qualified last for both the sprint and the grand prix, finishing 14th and 12th.