The F1 2025 season just got more interesting as Red Bull makes a bold move, swapping drivers Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda. With only two races into the season, this decision has created a buzz both on and off the track.
Liam Lawson, after struggling to earn points and escaping Q1 in the first couple of races, finds himself returning to Racing Bulls, leaving his Red Bull position to Yuki Tsunoda. Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, highlighted that this swap was made considering their responsibility towards Lawson, making it a logical decision from their perspective.
Tsunoda had initially been passed over for Lawson following Sergio Perez’s departure, due to what Red Bull considered his inconsistency at the time. Helmut Marko reflected on this choice, admitting that opting for the less experienced Lawson might have been a mistake. Now, however, Tsunoda will have his chance to prove himself in the senior team, debuting on home soil at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he’s eager to tackle the new challenge.
Amidst all the speculation and excitement, there was an undeniable tension from Max Verstappen, who seemed less than thrilled about this swap. His subtle yet telling reaction on social media, particularly liking a post from Giedo van der Garde that called the swap a form of ‘bullying’ or ‘panic’, suggests an internal disagreement within the team.
Meanwhile, another subplot unfolds with Valtteri Bottas re-entering the F1 scene as a reserve driver for Mercedes. Despite engaging in a private test with McLaren, it has been clarified that this was merely a precautionary measure to familiarize Bottas with McLaren’s setup, rather than an indication of a shift to their team.
Red Bull’s decision to swap drivers so early in the season has certainly stirred the F1 pot. While Tsunoda looks forward to seizing his opportunity, Lawson now faces the challenge of regrouping and battling back. With mixed reactions from within the team and the larger racing community, this development could shape the dynamics of F1 2025 in unexpected ways.
