The Formula 1 grid has witnessed a sudden switch as Liam Lawson finds himself back with Racing Bulls after a short stint at Red Bull, replaced by Yuki Tsunoda. Lawson’s return comes hot on the heels of a challenging start to the F1 2025 season, marking an unexpected turn in his racing journey.
In the whirlwind world of Formula 1, driver swaps aren’t uncommon, yet they’re certainly dramatic, as Liam Lawson can attest. The young New Zealander was ushered into a Red Bull seat with much anticipation, having shown potential with Racing Bulls. However, his recent performances in Australia and China were less than stellar, leading to a swift shake-up by the Red Bull team management, sending Lawson back to a more familiar environment.
Back in action with Racing Bulls, Lawson is all set to race in Japan, a circuit he is well acquainted with from his Super Formula days, where he finished impressively in the past. “I’m really looking forward to racing in Japan this weekend,” Lawson shared, highlighting Suzuka as one of his favorite tracks due to its high-speed thrill and fun factor in a Formula 1 car. His enthusiasm is palpable, as he eagerly re-engages with Racing Bulls, a team he feels a deep connection with.
Lawson’s return coincides with Yuki Tsunoda’s elevation to the Red Bull team, bringing a new dynamic to the lineup. Tsunoda’s inaugural race in Japan will see him become Max Verstappen’s latest teammate—a role that has seen frequent changes recently. Tsunoda has impressed in the simulator, a move seen as solidifying his place amid critiques of his technical feedback, which had been a point of contention in the past.
Meanwhile, Racing Bulls’ strategic vision involves pairing Lawson with rising rookie Isack Hadjar, both aiming to maximize the car’s performance. Alan Permane, Racing Bulls’ racing director, expressed optimism about the new partnership. “We welcome Liam back to the team at a track he knows well,” Permane stated, anticipating productive teamwork to boost results.
Amid these transitions, Lawson expressed gratitude for the continued support from his fans, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of his journey: “Being a Red Bull Racing driver has been my dream since I was a kid,” Lawson reflected on social media, showing appreciation for his career milestones thus far.
The F1 community remains keenly observant of these developments, with team dynamics under constant scrutiny. Max Verstappen himself weighed in, suggesting that Racing Bulls’ car might suit Lawson’s style better, a theory met with mixed reactions from within Red Bull’s ranks, including Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, who acknowledge the differing challenges presented by the cars’ handling characteristics.
Liam Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls is more than just a reshuffle; it’s an opportunity to recalibrate and reignite his F1 ambitions. As he gears up for the Japanese Grand Prix, Lawson’s expertise and familiarity with the Suzuka circuit may well play to his advantage, proving that true potential often shines brightest when the stakes are high.
