Liam Lawson speaks out with emotional assertion after shock Red Bull sacking mid season
Red Bull driver Liam Lawson has been sacked by the team and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after a miserable start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, and has now spoken out on social media
Liam Lawson has spoken out about his shock ditching by Red Bull after only a couple of rounds into the F1 calendar. The young gun got the boot, with Yuki Tsunoda stepping up as the new wingman for champ Max Verstappen at Red Bull.
The 23 year old Kiwi did no score any points at the season’s kick-off in Australia and China, failing to click with the RB21. This led team principal Christian Horner and the driving academy chief Helmut Marko to make an early call, giving the nod to seasoned Tsunoda.
While Tsunoda gears up for a buzzing first race with Red Bull on April 6 at the Japanese GP, Lawson’s been bumped down to the B-squad Racing Bulls.
He shared his gut punch moment on Instagram with a picture displaying his old school report spelling out his F1 dreams.
His post said: “Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life. It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world”.
He also added: “Thank you @visacashapprb for the warm welcome. I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places.”
Meanwhile, Tsunoda flaunted his fresh Red Bull threads on Instagram saying, “Ready for the challenge ahead.”
Explaining the switch-up, Horner revealed: “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. 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.”
The young Lawson had only 11 F1 starts to his name when he was picked to take Sergio Perez’s spot last season. Choosing him over the now-seasoned Tsunoda who’s starting his fifth year, Horner’s bet has seemed to backfire pretty quick.
The driver couldn’t progress beyond any initial qualifying rounds, sprinting included, and had a proper stinker crashing out at the Aussie Grand Prix. The call to bump him down and sign up Tsunoda came after some serious chit-chat among the top brass at the team.
Horner went on to add: “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.
“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.”
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