Red Bull Racing Promotes Yuki Tsunoda, Demotes Liam Lawson
Yuki Tsunoda of Scuderia Visa Cash App RB celebrates finishing in 10th position with the team during ... More the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on April 07, 2024 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by) (Photo by)
For over four years, Japan's Yuki Tsunoda has been the face of the junior Red Bull Formula 1 team, now coined Racing Bulls. After earning 30 points in 2024, the 24-year-old is set for the opportunity of a lifetime.
Red Bull Racing announced that Tsunoda will immediately replace Liam Lawson, teaming up with reigning champion Max Verstappen under team principal Christian Horner's leadership. Lawson, who only made two starts for Red Bull Racing, will continue to race in Formula 1, taking over Tsunoda's former seat at Racing Bulls.
Lawson made six starts for Racing Bulls in 2024, with two ninth-place finishes. Those strong runs elevated the New Zealander's stock, and he was tabbed to fill in the seat vacated by Sergio Perez.
However, after two starts with Red Bull Racing, Lawson was significantly off from Verstappen's pace, qualifying 18th in Melbourne and 20th in Shanghai. Meanwhile, Tsunoda has been off to a fast start, qualifying an impressive five in Australia and ninth in China.
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