BBC reveal real reason Red Bull picked Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda with team set to make shock U-turn

The real reason why Red Bull chose to partner Max Verstappen with Liam Lawson ahead of Yuki Tsunoda has been revealed by the BBC.

Heading into the 2025 Formula 1 season, it was confirmed that 23-year-old Lawson would race alongside four-time world champion Verstappen, replacing Sergio Perez.

It was expected that the New Zealander would score more points for Red Bull than Perez and help the team challenge for the world title.

However, Lawson's campaign has started poorly. He crashed out during his debut in Australia and finished 14th in the Shanghai sprint race and 12th in the Chinese Grand Prix.

As a result, Lawson's future has already been called into question.

On Tuesday night, it was reported that Red Bull had made the decision to replace Lawson with Tsunoda ahead of next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

To drop Lawson after just two races will certainly raise eyebrows around the F1 community.

Many will also question Red Bull's decision to partner Verstappen with Lawson, a less experienced driver, ahead of Tsunoda in the first place.

Liam Lawson is set to be replaced by Red Bull. Image: Getty

Why did Red Bull replace Sergio Perez with Liam Lawson?

As reported by the BBC, Red Bull wanted Lawson ahead of Tsunoda as they believed the Japanese 'lacked the mental toughness to survive at Red Bull alongside Verstappen, while his fellow driver had more potential to improve'.

It has also been claimed that Verstappen sees the decision as 'an error', with the Dutchman pointing the blame to the Red Bull car rather than the driver.

Speaking after the Chinese Grand Prix, a disappointed Lawson admitted: "The window is really small, that is known, but honestly that is no excuse, I have to get a handle on it.

"I think it is just time, unfortunately I don't really have time."

F1 will return next weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix, which will be held around the Suzuka Circuit.