Christian Horner has highlighted the need to develop the RB21 and Yuki Tsunoda's experience as key reasons behind the decision to axe Liam Lawson after just two races.
It has been formally announced that Lawson is to be demoted to Racing Bulls with immediate effect. Tsunoda steps up to partner Max Verstappen from the Japanese GP - his home race.
Lawson had endured a terrible start to his Red Bull career as he crashed out of the wet Australian GP after missing FP3 with a car problem before another poor weekend in China where he qualified last for both the sprint and grand prix, and emerged point-less as alarm bells started to ring at Red Bull.
The New Zealander, with just 11 grand prix starts to his name heading into the season, had never driven at either Melbourne's Albert Park or at the Shanghai International Circuit.
The RB21 has also proven a tricky car to drive, with even Verstappen struggling to master it. As such, the need to develop the car is a key reason Horner has provided as to why the swap had been made.
"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," Horner said in a statement.
"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."
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