Driver change at Red Bull: Tsunoda starts at the home GP in Japan!

Driver change at Red Bull: Tsunoda starts at the home GP in Japan!

Formula 1 is facing a huge change: Yuki Tsunoda will take over the Red Bull Racing cockpit at the upcoming Grand Prix of Japan. This is the result of a quick driver change after only two races in the current season. Liam Lawson, the previous driver, will return to the sister team Vcarb after he was unable to score points in Australia and Shanghai and even failed in the latter. This decision was made at a meeting in Dubai, the residence of Red Bull owner Chalerme Yoovidhya. Honda, the engine manufacturer, is also supposed to support Tsunoda financially. [OE24] reports that Max Verstappen, who is equipped with a long -term contract with Red Bull until 2028, had pleaded for Lawson, but to give him more time.

The upcoming changes are remarkable, especially since Lawson had moved up instead of Sergio Perez and is now also faced with quick degradation. Tsunoda, on the other hand, convinced with the Racing Bulls, which ultimately led to the rumors about the driver change. Red Bull plans to announce the official confirmation of the change in the course of this week. Another meeting in Milton Keynes is coming up to discuss the dissatisfactory performance of the car. [LAOLA1] emphasizes that this quick decision did little time for Lawson to adapt.

driver market and change of team for 2025

In the middle of this turbulence, the driver market for 2025 is becoming increasingly clear. Yuki Tsunoda has already been confirmed for the next season at the Racing Bulls, and Isack Hadjar is being promoted. Further contract extensions and changes show a profound restructuring in Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes after the 2024 season to switch to Ferrari, while Sergio Perez was separated from Red Bull prematurely. Formel1.de states that Max Verstappen is currently in a long-term contract at Red Bull until 2028.

The teams and drivers for the Formula 1 season 2025 have already been determined, which creates an interesting context for the decisions in the current driver market:

The situation and the quick changes show how dynamic and challenging the driver market in Formula 1 is. All participants now have the challenge of adapting to the new circumstances and showing optimal performance in the upcoming races.