Sources confirm that Yuki Tsunoda will take over Liam Lawson`s seat at Red Bull for the Japanese Grand Prix.
This surprising change, occurring only two races into Lawson`s tenure with the team, is expected to be officially announced later this week, pending final arrangements.
Tsunoda will become Max Verstappen`s third teammate in the last four races, as Lawson had recently replaced Sergio Perez.
Lawson will return to Racing Bulls, Red Bull`s junior team.
This move marks a significant moment for Tsunoda, who is supported by Honda, Red Bull`s former engine partner. He will make his debut for the main team at his home race, the Japanese Grand Prix.
While Red Bull is known for making tough decisions regarding drivers, this one is considered particularly abrupt.
Insiders revealed that Lawson`s poor performance led to this swift action. After qualifying 18th in Australia and crashing out in a race where Verstappen reached the podium, Lawson also qualified last for both the sprint and the main race in China, finishing outside the points in both.
The decision was formally made at the beginning of this week, though sources indicate Lawson was already aware of the likely change when he left the Shanghai International Circuit last Sunday.
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, who was initially hesitant about promoting Tsunoda, has reportedly been impressed by the Japanese driver`s strong performance early in the season.
Tsunoda has shown good pace in both races but missed out on points due to strategic errors from the Racing Bulls team.
Many within Formula 1 believe Tsunoda deserved the Red Bull seat instead of Lawson from the start of this year. Tsunoda has been part of Red Bull`s junior program since 2021.
Lawson is officially considered a rookie this season, with only 11 race starts prior to 2025 across two seasons.
He will rejoin Isack Hadjar, another rookie, at his former team.
