Red Bull Racing has confirmed Yuki Tsunoda will replace rookie Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s teammate from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards, just two races into the 2025 Formula 1 season. The abrupt promotion of Tsunoda, who joins Red Bull’s senior team after four seasons with younger brother outfit RB Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), has sparked debate over the team’s driver strategy and recurring struggles to nurture consistent talent alongside Verstappen.
Lawson, 23, entered his debut full F1 season with heightened expectations after a standout 2024 campaign in Super Formula and a late apperance for Racing Bulls in 2024. However, the New Zealander’s underwhelming performances in Melbourne and Shanhai – finishing 12th and 15th, outside the points – prompted Red Bull to intorduce Tsunoda ahead of the Japanese driver’s home race at Suzuka. Lawson will now return to Racing Bulls..
The decision has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike. Many argue that two races provide insufficient time to evaluate a rookie, particularly in a car historically noted for its challenging handling characteristics. Others question why Tsunoda, a proven performer with 81 race starts, was overlooked for the 2025 seat initially, despite outperforming multiple teammates at RB. Tsunoda’s consistency in 2024 – including six points finishes – had positioned him as a logical candidate for promotion.
The move reignites scrutiny over Red Bull’s high attrition rate for Verstappen’s teammates. Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018, five drivers have occupied the second seat, with none matching the Dutchman’s performance. Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon were demoted within 12 races and 18 months, respectively, while Sergio Pérez, despite aiding three constructors’ titles, faced recurring struggles for outright pace before being replaced by Lawson.
Technical analysis suggests the RB20’s aggressive aerodynamics and rear instability align closely with Verstappen’s driving style, honed since his 2016 debut. Critics contend the team prioritises car development around the four-time champion’s preferences, leaving teammates with a machine ill-suited to their strengths. While Red Bull denies such claims, the pattern of rapid teammate turnover has fuelled speculation over an inherent design bias.
Tsunoda’s promotion offers a litmus test for both driver and team. The 24-year-old must adapt swiftly to the RB20’s demands, with Suzuka’s high-speed sweeps and fervent home support amplifying pressure. Conversely, Red Bull faces renewed questions over its developmental ethos. Should Tsunoda encounter similar difficulties to predecessors, the team may confront deeper enquiries into its approach to driver-car synergy.
As the grid heads to Japan, all eyes will be on Tsunoda’s ability to leverage experience and familiarity with Red Bull’s systems. For Lawson, the focus shifts to rebuilding confidence at Racing Bull. Yet the broader narrative remains: in a team dominated by Verstappen’s excellence, can any teammate thrive – or does Red Bull’s design philosophy inherently limit their potential? The answer may define not just Tsunoda’s future but the team’s long-term credibility in nurturing talent.
