Red Bull have made an unprecedented mid-season driver swap, with Yuki Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson at the main team from next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.
The shock move comes after just two races of the 2025 season.
Team principal Christian Horner said the decision was made to "develop and protect" Lawson, who has struggled with the RB21.
Tsunoda will now partner Max Verstappen, who currently sits second in the Drivers' Championship with 45 points, at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson: F1 star has been axed by Red Bull ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix
REUTERS
Lawson, who was chosen ahead of Tsunoda to replace Sergio Perez over the winter, has failed to score any points in his brief stint with the team.
Red Bull described the move as a "purely sporting decision" in line with their 2025 ambitions.
"We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions: to retain the World Drivers' Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors' title," Horner explained.
The team principal acknowledged Lawson's difficulties adapting to the car.
"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 said.
Liam Lawson: F1 star failed to claim any points during the Australian Grand Prix and Chinese Grand Prix
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The team has opted to "exercise a driver rotation" in response to the performance gap between their drivers.
This type of mid-season swap is described as unprecedented in recent Formula 1 history.
Horner cited Tsunoda's greater experience as a key factor in the 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," said the Red Bull supremo.
The Japanese driver gets his long-awaited chance to be Verstappen's team-mate after more than four seasons with Red Bull's second team.
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"We welcome him to the team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21," Horner added.
Tsunoda's promotion comes as Red Bull seeks to address development issues with their current car.
His technical feedback is expected to complement Verstappen's as the team pursues both championship titles.
Lawson will return to Racing Bulls, where he will partner Isack Hadjar.
The New Zealander has only 11 F1 race weekends under his belt, making the step up to Red Bull's main team a significant challenge.
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Horner emphasised the team's responsibility towards the young driver's development.
"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," he said.
The team principal added that the move would allow Lawson to "gain experience as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well."
Meanwhile, speaking on Sunday after struggling at the Chinese Grand Prix, Lawson was downbeat.
Liam Lawson: Red Bull have replaced F1 star with Yuki Tsunoda as the Japanese Grand Prix creeps closer
REUTERS
“To be honest, we were even more competitive in yesterday’s Sprint," he said.
"We were able to overtake cars and move forward.
“It’s just we tried something with the set-up to learn something today. It was quite a big step and unfortunately it just didn’t work.
“A lot to learn from this weekend a lot for me personally to get on top of as well. It’s just been extremely tough.”
