F1 news LIVE: Red Bull drop Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda in audacious swap before Japan Grand Prix

F1 NEWS - LATEST UPDATES

• NEW: Liam Lawson dropped by Red Bull for Japan GP
• Yuki Tsunoda replaces Lawson for his home race in Suzuka
• READ: The numbers behind Yuki Tsunoda’s battle with Liam Lawson over Red Bull F1 seat
• COMMENT: Lewis Hamilton’s shock disqualification tells us one thing: Ferrari have hit rock bottom

Racing Bulls respond to Lawson-Tsunoda swap

Racing Bulls Team principal Laurent Mekies responds to the seismic move by Red Bull: "We're incredibly proud of Yuki earning his well deserved move to Red Bull Racing!

"His progress last year and more recently from the very start of 2025 has been nothing less than sensational. Personally and collectively, it has been an immense privilege to witness those progresses for all of us in Faenza and in Milton Keynes.

"Yuki's energy and positivity has lightened up every corner of our factories and of our garage and he will always be a Racing Bull. We wish him all the success he deserves at RBR.

"Everyone here at Racing Bulls is looking forward to working with Liam to give him the best environment possible for him to shine in our car and express the talent we all know he has. He fit in so well last year and we cannot wait to challenge ourselves and grow as a team.

"With Isack having started so strongly with us already, we know we have a young and strong line-up."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner explains decision to drop Liam Lawson

"It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said.

“We came into the 2025 season, with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers' Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors' title and this is a purely sporting decision.

“We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car. We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.

“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well.”

Yuki Tsunoda unveiled as a Red Bull driver after Liam Lawson dropped

Yuki Tsunoda reacts to huge Red Bull driver swap

“Ready for the challenge ahead,” says Yuki Tsunoda in his first words after being promoted to Red Bull.

The Japanese driver will be given a hero’s welcome in Suzuka next week when he makes his debut.

Breaking: Yuki Tsunoda replaces Liam Lawson at Red Bull for Japan GP in unprecedented F1 driver swap

Red Bull have confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson from the Japanese Grand Prix in a shock F1 driver swap just two races into the 2025 F1 season

New Zealander Lawson, 23, had endured a torrid opening two races as Max Verstappen’s teammate. He crashed out of the season-opening Australian GP and qualified last on the grid, twice, in China. He finished the race in 12th after three post-race disqualifications.

As a result, Red Bull have opted for a stunning early-season change with junior team veteran Tsunoda stepping in for his home race at Suzuka next week. Lawson will drive for the junior team, Racing Bulls, partnering rookie Isack Hadjar.

Tsunoda replaces Lawson at Red Bull for Japan GP in unprecedented F1 driver swap

Former Red Bull technician identifies testing Verstappen trait for teammates

“I think one of the things that Max has never been worried about is anyone going faster than him,” Red Bull ambassador and former power unit technician Calum Nicholas said on the High Performance podcast.

“He knows how skilled he is, and it’s a bit of a luxury for him – he knows, if you can find that lap time, he can find a bit more.

“I think, more than anything, it’s resilience. What we’ve seen, certainly with Max’s teammates over the years, is I think what they struggle with is how resilient Max is.

“Like if you have a bad weekend where the car is not great, Max will drag something out of it. I think, for a lot of the drivers that have sat alongside him in the garage, it’s really hard to see.

“It’s really hard to sort of suck up – you might go out and put a great lap in and you think, ‘God, I’ve dragged the most out of that car’, and then Max will find two-tenths on you. Mentally, it really takes its toll on people around him through no fault of Max’s. He’s just there to go the quickest. But it’s a tough one for people to swallow.”

Bernie Collins floats potential reason for Lawson-Tsunoda swap at Red Bull

“We’ve talked a lot about Kimi Antonelli,” Bernie Collins tells Sky F1 when discussing a potential reason for Red Bull to swap out Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda. “The testing that he’s done in that Mercedes. If he was doing the same test in the Williams or the Mercedes-engine car, it’s not giving him the same thing.

“We’ve spoken about how the Red Bull is really tricky to drive. It’s a very specific car. It’s not the same as the Racing Bulls.

“What I’d love to know, what we should have asked Christian is, why did Red Bull not do a similar program to Mercedes with Liam Lawson, or whoever is going to be in the second seat?

“Why was he not doing 60 test days last year in a four-year-old Red Bull?

“It’s going to have the same characteristics. There’s no cost cap limit in that.

“He could have stepped into the car in a much, much stronger position than he currently is.”

Liam Lawson set to be dropped by Red Bull in shock F1 move – with Yuki Tsunoda to replace him

Good morning, we’ll have the latest news in Formula 1 as Red Bull appear poised to make a stunning move to swap drivers ahead of the Japan Grand Prix.

Liam Lawson appears to have had his time, just two races, with Yuki Tsunoda parachuted in for Red Bull in a home Japan Grand Prix.

We’ll bring you the latest news and confirmation, should it materialise today, plus the latest reaction from around F1.

The numbers behind Yuki Tsunoda’s battle with Liam Lawson over Red Bull F1 seat

Yuki Tsunoda looks set to replace Liam Lawson at the next F1 race in Japan – his home race – in a huge early-season switch at Red Bull.

The role of Max Verstappen’s teammate has been a poisoned chalice in recent years, but Tsunoda’s form has improved in the last two years and he recently said he “100%” backs himself to perform in the main team if given the opportunity.

But what do the stats say? The Independent takes a look at the numbers behind Tsunoda vs Lawson, in the battle for the Red Bull second seat.

The numbers behind Yuki Tsunoda’s battle with Liam Lawson over Red Bull F1 seat

How has Lawson performed so far?

Australia: qualified 18th; DNF

China: qualified 20th for sprint, finished 15th; qualified 20th for race, finished 12th

Max Verstappen on 2025 Red Bull car after finishing fourth in China GP:

“We set out to do our own pace, the tyres were in a decent shape when we pitted but it’s not how we want to race. A lot to analyse I think, the second stint was more positive and promising.

“I try to do the best I can, not thinking about anything else. Feel good in life in general, that’s what matters the most.”

F1 driver standings after Chinese Grand Prix

1. Lando Norris – 44 points

2. Max Verstappen – 36 points

3. George Russell – 35 points

4. Oscar Piastri – 34 points

5. Kimi Antonelli – 22 points

6. Alex Albon – 16 points

7. Esteban Ocon – 10 points

8. Lance Stroll – 10 points

9. Lewis Hamilton – 9 points

10. Charles Leclerc – 8 points

11. Nico Hulkenberg – 6 points

12. Yuki Tsunoda – 3 points

13. Ollie Bearman – 1 point

14. Carlos Sainz – 1 point

15. Pierre Gasly – 0 points

16. Isack Hadjar – 0 points

17. Jack Doohan – 0 points

18. Gabriel Bortoleto – 0 points

19. Liam Lawson – 0 points

20. Fernando Alonso – 0 points

Christian Horner refuses to rule out Yuki Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson at Red Bull

Christian Horner did not dismiss speculation that Yuki Tsunoda could replace under-fire Liam Lawson at Red Bull for the next F1 race in Japan.

Lawson has endured a torrid opening two races as Max Verstappen’s teammate: he crashed out of the season-opening Australian GP and qualified last on the grid, twice, in China.

The New Zealander himself acknowledged he does “not have time” on his hands to turn around his form, while various outlets reported post-race in Shanghai that Red Bull were considering a shock swap for the Japanese Grand Prix, with Racing Bulls driver Tsunoda in line to replace Lawson.

Full quotes below:

Christian Horner refuses to rule out Yuki Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson at Red Bull

F1 constructor standings after Chinese Grand Prix

1. McLaren - 78 points

2. Mercedes - 57 points

3. Red Bull - 36 points

4. Williams - 17 points

5. Ferrari - 17 points

6. Haas - 14 points

7. Aston Martin - 10 points

8. Sauber - 6 points

9. Racing Bulls - 3 points

10. Alpine - 0 points

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur unhappy with 'joke' broadcast of Hamilton-Leclerc swap in China GP

“This is a joke from FOM (Formula One Management), because the first call came from Lewis to swap. Lewis suggested it.

“But to make the show, to create the mess around the situation, they did not broadcast the first part of the exchange. So I will discuss it with them.

“We have to work for the team and consider the best thing for Ferrari. The collaboration between the two guys (Hamilton and Leclerc) is mega and I cannot complain about it.”

COMMENT: Lewis Hamilton’s shock disqualification tells us one thing: Ferrari have hit rock bottom

Twenty-four hours is a long time in Formula One. Just on Saturday, Lewis Hamilton was riding high, optimism radiating, after his first taste of victory in the famous Ferrari red, albeit in the shorter sprint format.

By Sunday night, long after dusk fell in Shanghai, the Briton and his beleaguered team had hit rock bottom.

Full piece below:

Hamilton’s shock DSQ tells us one thing: Ferrari have already hit rock bottom

Liam Lawson painfully honest after torrid start to Red Bull F1 career: ‘It’s just not good enough’

Liam Lawson did not make any excuses as he reflected on a torrid start to his Red Bull F1 career at the Chinese Grand Prix.

The Kiwi driver, promoted to be Max Verstappen’s teammate this year as he replaced Sergio Perez, crashed out of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in wet conditions last week

Lawson qualified dead last for the sprint race on Saturday – though moved up to finish 14th – but did not improve his one-lap pace in grand prix qualifying, finishing last once more.

Full quotes below:

Lawson painfully honest after torrid start to Red Bull F1 career: ‘Not good enough’

Lando Norris admits McLaren ‘nervous’ over potential F1 title scrap with Oscar Piastri

Lando Norris has admitted his McLaren team will be “nervous” about the prospect of him going head-to-head with team-mate Oscar Piastri for the world championship.

Norris, 25, and Piastri, 23, both have one victory each after the opening two rounds of the new Formula One season with McLaren holding an early advantage over their rivals.

The British team, bidding to deliver their first world champion since Lewis Hamilton claimed his maiden crown back in 2008, have said their drivers are free to race each other.

Norris admits McLaren ‘nervous’ over potential F1 title scrap with Piastri

Formula 1 in talks over new grand prix with Stefano Domenicali ‘impressed’ by plans

A new grand prix in Bangkok could soon come to fruition after Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali paid a visit to Thailand to discuss plans.

Domenicali travelled to the Asian country in the days following last weekend’s season opener in Australia, meeting Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

There, he heard about the nation’s ambitions to stage an inaugural F1 race on its streets.

Thailand is one of several countries eager to join an already packed calendar - but with the Dutch Grand Prix’s impending departure from the schedule in 2026, there may just be space for a new race down the line.

Ralf Schumacher on Lawson-Tsunoda Red Bull swap:

Strong quotes from Ralf Schumacher to Sky Germany after the Chinese GP:

"I've checked it, too, and indeed: Liam Lawson is already out, out of Red Bull for the next race, and Tsunoda will replace him. That's not entirely confirmed yet, but it probably will be.

“It's unbelievable [...] unbelievably bad from a management perspective.

“I don't understand it at all when you destabilise a good team – Racing Bulls – who are finally doing well with both drivers, and you risk burning out Tsunoda [...] and Lawson then goes back to Racing Bulls and now he'll rebuild there, but it's complete chaos at Red Bull."

TIMELINE: Eddie Jordan’s extraordinary career from Dublin banker to F1 team owner

Former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has died aged 76, his family have announced.

The Irishman revealed in December he was suffering with bladder and prostate cancer which had spread to his spine and pelvis.

A family statement, published by rugby club London Irish where Jordan was a patron, said he “passed away peacefully with family by his side in Cape Town” on Thursday.

Eddie Jordan’s extraordinary career from Dublin banker to F1 team owner

VIDEO: Liam Lawson reacts after another tough weekend for Red Bull

EXPLAINER: Why was Lewis Hamilton disqualified from Chinese Grand Prix?

Lewis Hamilton’s rollercoaster start to life at Ferrari continued as he was dramatically disqualified after the conclusion of the Chinese Grand Prix.

After the highs of Saturday’s victory in the sprint race, having shockingly qualified on pole the previous day, Hamilton’s weekend took a downward turn come Sunday’s full race.

Having made contact with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc on the opening lap, causing damage to the Monegasque’s front wing, the Brit struggled for pace around the Shanghai racetrack – resorting to a two-stop strategy in the desperate hope that fresh tyres would help him find some extra speed.

That turned out to be a forlorn hope however, as he eventually crossed the line in sixth, one spot behind Leclerc and well off the pace of dominant McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris up front, who sealed a one-two.

Things then got worse for the seven-time world champion as he was disqualified after the race, seeing the eight points wiped from his championship tally. It was an incredibly busy post-race period for the stewards and F1 officials as Leclerc and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly were also disqualified alongside Hamilton.

Here’s everything you need to know about the disqualifications:

Why was Lewis Hamilton disqualified from Chinese Grand Prix?

Sky F1 pundit Bernie Collins questions Red Bull's preparation for Liam Lawson:

“We’ve spoken about how the Red Bull is really tricky to drive. It’s a very specific car. It’s not the same as the Racing Bulls.

“What I’d love to know, what we should have asked Christian is, why did Red Bull not do a similar program to Mercedes [and Kimi Antonelli] with Liam Lawson, or whoever is going to be in the second seat?

“Why was he not doing 60 test days last year in a four-year-old Red Bull?

“It’s going to have the same characteristics. There’s no cost cap limit in that. He could have stepped into the car in a much, much stronger position than he currently is.”

F1 driver standings after Chinese Grand Prix

1. Lando Norris – 44 points

2. Max Verstappen – 36 points

3. George Russell – 35 points

4. Oscar Piastri – 34 points

5. Kimi Antonelli – 22 points

6. Alex Albon – 16 points

7. Esteban Ocon – 10 points

8. Lance Stroll – 10 points

9. Lewis Hamilton – 9 points

10. Charles Leclerc – 8 points

11. Nico Hulkenberg – 6 points

12. Yuki Tsunoda – 3 points

13. Ollie Bearman – 1 point

14. Carlos Sainz – 1 point

15. Pierre Gasly – 0 points

16. Isack Hadjar – 0 points

17. Jack Doohan – 0 points

18. Gabriel Bortoleto – 0 points

19. Liam Lawson – 0 points

20. Fernando Alonso – 0 points

The numbers behind Yuki Tsunoda’s battle with Liam Lawson over Red Bull F1 seat

Yuki Tsunoda looks set to replace Liam Lawson at the next F1 race in Japan – his home race – in a huge early-season switch at Red Bull.

The role of Max Verstappen’s teammate has been a poisoned chalice in recent years, but Tsunoda’s form has improved in the last two years and he recently said he “100%” backs himself to perform in the main team if given the opportunity.

But what do the stats say? The Independent takes a look at the numbers behind Tsunoda vs Lawson, in the battle for the Red Bull second seat.

The numbers behind Yuki Tsunoda’s battle with Liam Lawson over Red Bull F1 seat

Liam Lawson after China:

“It’s really tough honestly, the window is really small,” said a downbeat Lawson afterwards.

“It’s not an excuse, I’ve got to get a handle on it.”

Asked what he needs, Lawson replied: “It’s just time. Unfortunately, I don’t really have time, it’s just one of those things.

“To drive a Formula 1 car, it takes 100% confidence. The window is so small and I just seem to miss it, need to get a handle of it.

“It’s just not good enough.”

MORE: Lawson set to be dropped

A meeting between senior Red Bull figures at the Dubai home of Red Bull major shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya has seemingly resulted in Lawson’s two-race stint coming to an end.

The move would see Lawson drop down to the sister team, Racing Bulls, and partner Isack Hadjar from race three onwards.

Lawson himself acknowledged in China that he did “not have time” on his side as he looked to turn around his form, but nonetheless, it is a huge shock just two races into a 24-race season.

Yuki Tsunoda on Red Bull seat:

“I appreciate what Zak said to me in the press, but it’s just one race,” Tsunoda said, when asked about McLaren boss Brown’s commenting that Tsunoda should have been given the Red Bull seat.

“These things have been going on since last year [after the] first race. Daniel-Checo, myself-Checo, Liam-Checo. It’s a bit of a tradition for our group.

“It’s positive but at the same time, I just have to keep [doing] what I’m doing.

“In the end, they chose this line-up last year at the end of the season. Maybe they have a clear plan for the future, I don’t know.”

COMMENT: Lewis Hamilton’s shock disqualification tells us one thing: Ferrari have already hit rock bottom

Twenty-four hours is a long time in Formula One. Just on Saturday, Lewis Hamilton was riding high, optimism radiating, after his first taste of victory in the famous Ferrari red, albeit in the shorter sprint format.

By Sunday night, long after dusk fell in Shanghai, the Briton and his beleaguered team had hit rock bottom.

Full report below:

Hamilton’s shock DSQ tells us one thing: Ferrari have already hit rock bottom

Liam Lawson sends firm message to Red Bull rival Yuki Tsunoda: ‘He’s had his time’

“If I look back over our career, I was team-mates with him in F3 and I beat him,” Lawson told The Telegraph.

“In Euro Formula I was team-mates with him in New Zealand, and I beat him there. And then in F1 last season, I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no.

“He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”

FULL STORY: Liam Lawson set to be dropped by Red Bull in shock F1 move – with Yuki Tsunoda to replace him

New Zealand racer Lawson, 23, has endured a torrid opening two races as Max Verstappen’s teammate: he crashed out of the season-opening Australian GP and qualified last on the grid, twice, in China. He finished the grand prix in 12th, after three post-race disqualifications.

The writing looked somewhat on the wall on Sunday night when Red Bull team principal Christian Horner refused to rule out an early-season swap, with Racing Bulls driver Tsunoda the obvious candidate to step up.

Now, it seems inevitable that Tsunoda, 24, will indeed swap spots with Lawson for the grand prix in Suzuka next week. While nothing is confirmed from Red Bull yet, The Independent understands an official announcement is expected later this week, with details still to be ironed out.

Full story:

Lawson set to be dropped by Red Bull in shock F1 move – with Tsunoda to replace him

MORE: Horner on Lawson's struggles

In China, Horner added that he “feels very sorry” for Lawson at the moment, as he struggles to adapt to the RB21 car.

“I think Liam still has got potential, we’re just not realising that at the moment,” he said.

“I think the problem for him is he’s had a couple of really tough weekends and he’s got all the media on his back.

“The pressure just naturally grows in this business. I feel very sorry for him that he’s… you can see it’s very tough on him at the moment.

“He’s a young guy, we’ve got a duty to look after him. We’re going to do the best that we can to support him. Liam’s still a very capable driver, we know that, we’re just not… for whatever reason, we’re not seeing him able to deliver that at the moment.”

VIDEO: Liam Lawson reacts after another tough weekend for Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda on Red Bull seat:

“I appreciate what Zak said to me in the press, but it’s just one race,” Tsunoda said, when asked about McLaren boss Brown’s commenting that Tsunoda should have been given the Red Bull seat.

“These things have been going on since last year [after the] first race. Daniel-Checo, myself-Checo, Liam-Checo. It’s a bit of a tradition for our group.

“It’s positive but at the same time, I just have to keep [doing] what I’m doing.

“In the end, they chose this line-up last year at the end of the season. Maybe they have a clear plan for the future, I don’t know.”

What did Horner say when asked about Lawson's future?

“There’s always going to be speculation in the paddock,” Horner said, when asked whether Red Bull could make a change for Japan (4-6 April).

“I think everything is purely speculative at the moment. As I say, we’ve just finished this race, we’re going to take away the info and have a good look at it.”

NEW: Liam Lawson set to be dropped by Red Bull in shock F1 move – with Yuki Tsunoda to replace him

Liam Lawson is set to be dropLiam Lawson is set to be dropped by Red Bull after just two races of the 2025 F1 season – with Yuki Tsunoda in line to replace him for his home race in Japan next week.

New Zealand racer Lawson has endured a torrid opening two races as Max Verstappen’s teammate: he crashed out of the season-opening Australian GP and qualified last on the grid, twice, in China. He finished the grand prix in 12th, after three post-race disqualifications.

The writing looked somewhat on the wall on Sunday night when Red Bull team principal Christian Horner refused to rule out an early-season swap, with Racing Bulls driver Tsunoda the obvious candidate to step up.

Now, it seems inevitable that Tsunoda, 24, will indeed swap spots with Lawson for the grand prix in Suzuka next week. While nothing is confirmed from Red Bull yet, The Independent understands an official announcement is expected later this week, with details still to be ironed out.

Ralf Schumacher on Lawson-Tsunoda Red Bull swap:

Strong quotes from Ralf Schumacher to Sky Germany after the Chinese GP:

"I've checked it, too, and indeed: Liam Lawson is already out, out of Red Bull for the next race, and Tsunoda will replace him. That's not entirely confirmed yet, but it probably will be.

“It's unbelievable [...] unbelievably bad from a management perspective.

“I don't understand it at all when you destabilise a good team – Racing Bulls – who are finally doing well with both drivers, and you risk burning out Tsunoda [...] and Lawson then goes back to Racing Bulls and now he'll rebuild there, but it's complete chaos at Red Bull."

Ferrari boss slams F1’s ‘joke’ radio broadcast of Hamilton-Leclerc swap in China

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur took aim at Formula One’s “joke” broadcast of the Chinese Grand Prix as he accused the sport of deliberately creating a show when Lewis Hamilton offered to move aside for Charles Leclerc.

Vasseur was speaking before both Hamilton and Leclerc were disqualified from fifth and sixth places for illegalities on their cars. Hamilton’s floor ran too close to the ground, while Leclerc’s machine was underweight.

In the race, Hamilton volunteered to allow team-mate Leclerc through for fifth as he struggled for speed. However, Hamilton’s radio message was not shown on the international feed.

Full story below:

Hamilton’s shock DSQ tells us one thing: Ferrari have already hit rock bottom