Liam Lawson has admitted he was 'shocked' to learn he would be replaced by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yuki-tsunoda">Yuki Tsunoda</a> at Red Bull starting from the Japanese Grand Prix. Lawson, who secured a seat alongside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/max-verstappen">Max Verstappen</a> following Sergio Perez&rsquo;s departure, was dropped after just two races into the new season due to underwhelming performances in Australia and China. He will now return to Red Bull&rsquo;s junior team, Racing Bulls, in a swap with Tsunoda.
"It was definitely a shock, honestly. It's not something that I saw coming. The discussions we were having didn&rsquo;t suggest this outcome, so it was completely unexpected," Lawson was quoted saying to Sky Sports.
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Lawson previously raced alongside Tsunoda in late 2024 when he stepped in for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/daniel-ricciardo" rel="dofollow">Daniel Ricciardo</a> at the then-named RB team. His performances earned him a promotion to Red Bull for 2025 as Verstappen&rsquo;s new teammate, following Perez&rsquo;s exit.
<h2>'This is not the end for Liam'</h2>
Red Bull team principal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/christian-horner" rel="dofollow">Christian Horner</a> acknowledged the tough decision, admitting that the team may have placed too much pressure on Lawson too soon.&nbsp;"It's a horrible situation because you're taking away someone's dream, but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. This isn&rsquo;t the end for Liam," Horner was quoted saying to Sky Sports.
"We made the call after just two races, but we have to accept that we were expecting too much, too quickly. Now, he has the opportunity to further develop his talent with Racing Bulls, while Yuki gets the chance to showcase his experience," Horner added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Formula 1, Sports: Liam Lawson previously raced alongside Yuki Tsunoda in late 2024 when he stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo at the then-named Red Bull team

Liam Lawson has admitted he was 'shocked' to learn he would be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull starting from the Japanese Grand Prix. Lawson, who secured a seat alongside Max Verstappen following Sergio Perez’s departure, was dropped after just two races into the new season due to underwhelming performances in Australia and China. He will now return to Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls, in a swap with Tsunoda. "It was definitely a shock, honestly. It's not something that I saw coming. The discussions we were having didn’t suggest this outcome, so it was completely unexpected," Lawson was quoted saying to Sky Sports. Also Read: A motorsport spectacle! Chennai gears up for Red Bull Moto Jam Lawson previously raced alongside Tsunoda in late 2024 when he stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo at the then-named RB team. His performances earned him a promotion to Red Bull for 2025 as Verstappen’s new teammate, following Perez’s exit. 'This is not the end for Liam' Red Bull team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the tough decision, admitting that the team may have placed too much pressure on Lawson too soon. "It's a horrible situation because you're taking away someone's dream, but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. This isn’t the end for Liam," Horner was quoted saying to Sky Sports. "We made the call after just two races, but we have to accept that we were expecting too much, too quickly. Now, he has the opportunity to further develop his talent with Racing Bulls, while Yuki gets the chance to showcase his experience," Horner added. (With inputs from agencies)

Formula 1: 'I did not see that coming', says shocked Liam Lawson after Red Bull demotion

Yuki Tsunoda stands just 1.59 metres (5ft 3in) but the racer who has joined Formula One world champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/max-verstappen">Max Verstappen</a> at Red Bull is a strong personality who has tried to tame his temper to get his big chance.
The 24-year-old will make his debut for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/red-bull">Red Bull</a> at his home Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka next weekend after the team ruthlessly axed underperforming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/liam-lawson">Liam Lawson</a>.
Tsunoda was promoted Thursday from their junior team Racing Bulls (RB) after outshining the New Zealander in the first two race weekends of the season.&nbsp;
He swapped places with&nbsp;Lawson, 23, who returned to the team he was at last season.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/yuki-tsunoda">Tsunoda</a> has had to wait patiently for this moment, having made his Formula One season debut in 2021 as a baby-faced rookie renowned for having a short fuse.
"His progress last year, and more recently from the very start of 2025, has been nothing less than sensational," RB team principal Laurent Mekies said after Tsunoda's promotion to Red Bull was finally confirmed after days of speculation.
Tsunoda was 12th in the season opener at Melbourne and only finished out of the points on Sunday at Shanghai because of RB's flawed two-stop pit strategy.
In contrast&nbsp;Lawson, who had replaced Sergio Perez at Red Bull, has endured a miserable start to the season and life at one of the top teams on the grid.&nbsp;He was knocked out at the first stage of all three qualifying sessions and has yet to score a point.
<h2>Fast-tracked</h2>
Tsunoda started racing karts at the age of four in his native Kanagawa, just outside Tokyo.&nbsp;He has been backed by Honda since joining their junior driver's programme and making his debut in Japan's Formula Four championship in 2016.
He had stints in Formula Three and Euroformula Open championships before joining British team Carlin in Formula Two in 2020.
He was fast-tracked into the elite after spending just one season in Formula Two, where he impressed with three wins and seven podium finishes.&nbsp;In 2021, barely out of his teens, he suited up for AlphaTauri, which would later become RB.
He was the first Japanese driver to compete in Formula One since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014.&nbsp;Because of his diminutive frame, team engineers developed a made-to-measure pedal kit to make him more comfortable in the cockpit of his AT02 car.
<h2>'Shouting my head off'</h2>
Tsunoda's debut season was a roller coaster of glimpses of his potential against missed opportunities, mistakes and the odd spectacular shunt.&nbsp;He had a reputation for his four-letter outbursts on the team radio, admitting that he found it hard sometimes to keep his head in the heat of racing.
"I'm quick to get riled up and start shouting over the radio," he once said, admitting that when playing video games "I make a mistake or I lose and I start shouting my head off".
In August, he raised eyebrows in the paddock when he admitted to spending some downtime with friends "drinking a lot in Japan".
But, although he is yet to get on the podium in 89 grands prix, the likeable Tsunoda began learning how to keep his emotions in check and started delivering consistency on the track.
Tsunoda scored the bulk of RB's 46 points last season but&nbsp;Lawson&nbsp;was the one moved up to Red Bull because he was seen as having more potential in the longer term.
Tsunoda has said it is a balance between keeping his cool without losing his competitive instincts.&nbsp;"I have to force myself to calm down, but the emotional control is coming more naturally," Tsunoda said last year.&nbsp;"For sure I'm on the right path, but you can't just shut up all the time."
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Formula 1, Sports: The 24-year-old will make his debut for Red Bull at his home Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka next weekend after the team ruthlessly axed Liam Lawson

Yuki Tsunoda stands just 1.59 metres (5ft 3in) but the racer who has joined Formula One world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull is a strong personality who has tried to tame his temper to get his big chance. The 24-year-old will make his debut for Red Bull at his home Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka next weekend after the team ruthlessly axed underperforming Liam Lawson. Tsunoda was promoted Thursday from their junior team Racing Bulls (RB) after outshining the New Zealander in the first two race weekends of the season. He swapped places with Lawson, 23, who returned to the team he was at last season. Tsunoda has had to wait patiently for this moment, having made his Formula One season debut in 2021 as a baby-faced rookie renowned for having a short fuse. "His progress last year, and more recently from the very start of 2025, has been nothing less than sensational," RB team principal Laurent Mekies said after Tsunoda's promotion to Red Bull was finally confirmed after days of speculation. Tsunoda was 12th in the season opener at Melbourne and only finished out of the points on Sunday at Shanghai because of RB's flawed two-stop pit strategy. In contrast Lawson, who had replaced Sergio Perez at Red Bull, has endured a miserable start to the season and life at one of the top teams on the grid. He was knocked out at the first stage of all three qualifying sessions and has yet to score a point. Fast-tracked Tsunoda started racing karts at the age of four in his native Kanagawa, just outside Tokyo. He has been backed by Honda since joining their junior driver's programme and making his debut in Japan's Formula Four championship in 2016. He had stints in Formula Three and Euroformula Open championships before joining British team Carlin in Formula Two in 2020. He was fast-tracked into the elite after spending just one season in Formula Two, where he impressed with three wins and seven podium finishes. In 2021, barely out of his teens, he suited up for AlphaTauri, which would later become RB. He was the first Japanese driver to compete in Formula One since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014. Because of his diminutive frame, team engineers developed a made-to-measure pedal kit to make him more comfortable in the cockpit of his AT02 car. 'Shouting my head off' Tsunoda's debut season was a roller coaster of glimpses of his potential against missed opportunities, mistakes and the odd spectacular shunt. He had a reputation for his four-letter outbursts on the team radio, admitting that he found it hard sometimes to keep his head in the heat of racing. "I'm quick to get riled up and start shouting over the radio," he once said, admitting that when playing video games "I make a mistake or I lose and I start shouting my head off". In August, he raised eyebrows in the paddock when he admitted to spending some downtime with friends "drinking a lot in Japan". But, although he is yet to get on the podium in 89 grands prix, the likeable Tsunoda began learning how to keep his emotions in check and started delivering consistency on the track. Tsunoda scored the bulk of RB's 46 points last season but Lawson was the one moved up to Red Bull because he was seen as having more potential in the longer term. Tsunoda has said it is a balance between keeping his cool without losing his competitive instincts. "I have to force myself to calm down, but the emotional control is coming more naturally," Tsunoda said last year. "For sure I'm on the right path, but you can't just shut up all the time." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Formula 1: Yuki Tsunoda-Japanese racer with short fuse gets his big chance

In a major development ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, multiple reports suggest that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/red-bull">Red Bull</a> Racing has decided to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda. The decision comes after Lawson's challenging start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.
According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf and French broadcaster Canal+, the 24-year-old Tsunoda will be promoted from Red Bull's sister team RB to partner reigning world champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/max-verstappen">Max Verstappen</a> at Suzuka from April 4-6. Red Bull has not yet issued an official statement on the matter. However, sources say that they will be making an official announcement soon.
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New Zealander Lawson, 23, was brought in from RB during the winter to replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sergio-perez">Sergio Perez</a>. However, his struggles in the opening rounds have put his seat in jeopardy. Lawson has been eliminated in the first stage of all three qualifying sessions and has yet to score a point this season. Meanwhile, his teammate Verstappen is currently second in the title race with 36 points, trailing McLaren&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lando-norris">Lando Norris</a> by eight points.
<h2>Lawson struggles, Yuki flourishes</h2>
Tsunoda has showcased promising form in the early races of the season. He secured a 12th-place finish in Australia and was on course for a points finish in Shanghai before a flawed two-stop pit strategy by RB cost him the opportunity. Since making his Formula 1 debut with AlphaTauri in 2021, Tsunoda has established himself as a consistent and aggressive racer. He is also the first Japanese driver to compete in F1 since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner&rsquo;s recent comments further fueled speculation about the change. Speaking after the Chinese Grand Prix, Horner admitted that Lawson has had a 'tough couple of races' and that the team would 'have a good look at it'. In contrast, he had more encouraging words for Tsunoda, praising him as an experienced driver who is 'doing a great job'.
With the Japanese Grand Prix fast approaching, all eyes are now on Red Bull for an official announcement.
(With inputs from agencies)

Formula 1, Sports: Lawson was brought in from RB during the winter to replace Sergio Perez. However, his struggles in the opening rounds have put his seat in jeopardy

In a major development ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, multiple reports suggest that Red Bull Racing has decided to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda. The decision comes after Lawson's challenging start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf and French broadcaster Canal+, the 24-year-old Tsunoda will be promoted from Red Bull's sister team RB to partner reigning world champion Max Verstappen at Suzuka from April 4-6. Red Bull has not yet issued an official statement on the matter. However, sources say that they will be making an official announcement soon. Also Read: Amid divorce, former World champion boxer Saweety Boora physically assaults husband Deepak Hooda in police station-WATCH New Zealander Lawson, 23, was brought in from RB during the winter to replace Sergio Perez. However, his struggles in the opening rounds have put his seat in jeopardy. Lawson has been eliminated in the first stage of all three qualifying sessions and has yet to score a point this season. Meanwhile, his teammate Verstappen is currently second in the title race with 36 points, trailing McLaren’s Lando Norris by eight points. Lawson struggles, Yuki flourishes Tsunoda has showcased promising form in the early races of the season. He secured a 12th-place finish in Australia and was on course for a points finish in Shanghai before a flawed two-stop pit strategy by RB cost him the opportunity. Since making his Formula 1 debut with AlphaTauri in 2021, Tsunoda has established himself as a consistent and aggressive racer. He is also the first Japanese driver to compete in F1 since Kamui Kobayashi in 2014. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner’s recent comments further fueled speculation about the change. Speaking after the Chinese Grand Prix, Horner admitted that Lawson has had a 'tough couple of races' and that the team would 'have a good look at it'. In contrast, he had more encouraging words for Tsunoda, praising him as an experienced driver who is 'doing a great job'. With the Japanese Grand Prix fast approaching, all eyes are now on Red Bull for an official announcement. (With inputs from agencies)

F1: Red Bull to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda ahead of Japanese Grand Prix? Reports suggest

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Formula 1: 'I did not see that coming', says shocked Liam Lawson after Red Bull demotion

Formula 1: Yuki Tsunoda-Japanese racer with short fuse gets his big chance

F1: Red Bull to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda ahead of Japanese Grand Prix? Reports suggest