Yuki Tsunoda Promoted to Red Bull as Liam Lawson Joins Visa Cash App RB

Yuki Tsunoda will swap places with Liam Lawson at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls in time for his home race at Suzuka.

Following a challenging start to the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship season for Liam Lawson, Oracle Red Bull Racing has announced a strategic driver change. From the Japanese Grand Prix onward, this move sees Yuki Tsunoda stepping up to Oracle Red Bull Racing alongside four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, while Lawson will return to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. This decision is part of a carefully planned strategy for team development and future success.

A Unique Opportunity for Red Bull’s Driver Rotation

With four seats on the Formula One grid—two at Oracle Red Bull Racing and two at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls—Red Bull holds a unique advantage in driver development. This foresight allows the team to make strategic decisions, such as the early-season rotation that sees Yuki Tsunoda partnering with Verstappen and Lawson returning to a more familiar setting at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.

Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner explained the decision:

“It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 in the opening races, and as a result, we have collectively decided to make an early switch. Our primary goals for the 2025 season are to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and reclaim the Constructors’ title. This is a purely sporting decision.”

Horner further highlighted the importance of Tsunoda’s experience in improving the RB21:

“We recognize there’s significant work to be done with the car, and Yuki’s experience will be invaluable in its development. We welcome him to the team and look forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.”

“At the same time, we have a duty to protect and develop Liam. After a tough start, it makes sense to act quickly so he can continue gaining experience in an environment he knows well with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.”

Tsunoda’s Rise Through the Ranks

At 24, Tsunoda has steadily climbed the motorsport ladder, progressing from karting to FIA Formula 3, the Toyota Racing Series, and FIA Formula 2, where he secured three wins and seven podiums in 2020 before making his Formula One debut in 2021.

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Since then, he has spent four seasons with Red Bull’s second team, improving year after year. After finishing 14th, 17th, and 14th in the standings, he reached 12th place in 2024. His strong recent performances—including a P5 qualifying result at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix and a P6 finish in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race—underscore his impressive form heading into this promotion.

Liam Lawson Teams Up with Hadjar at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls

With Tsunoda’s move, 23-year-old Lawson will now race for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls alongside 20-year-old French-Algerian rookie Isack Hadjar. The duo will debut as teammates at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6, the third round of the season, held at the iconic Suzuka Circuit.

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies praised Tsunoda’s progress and wished him well in his new role:

“We’re incredibly proud of Yuki earning his well-deserved move to Oracle Red Bull Racing! His growth last year, and particularly his strong start to 2025, has been nothing short of sensational. It has been a privilege for all of us in Faenza and Milton Keynes to witness his development. Yuki’s energy and positivity have brightened every corner of our factories and garage, and he will always be a Racing Bull. We wish him all the success he deserves at ORBR.”

Mekies also welcomed Lawson back to the team:

“Everyone here at VCARB is excited to work closely with Liam to give him the best possible environment to showcase his talent. He fit in seamlessly last year, and we can’t wait to push ourselves further and grow together as a team. With Isack already making a strong start, we know we have a young and competitive lineup.”

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 season unfolds, Red Bull’s bold driver swap will be under close scrutiny. Can Tsunoda help Oracle Red Bull Racing reclaim the Constructors’ Championship? Will Lawson thrive once again at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls? With the Japanese Grand Prix up next, all eyes will be on Suzuka to see how this new chapter unfolds.

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