'Sensational' Yuki Tsunoda backed for Red Bull success after F1 promotion

Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies has praised the "sensational" Yuki Tsunoda, and tipped the new Red Bull driver for success after replacing Liam Lawson.  It was announced on Thursday morning that Lawson will be returning to Racing Bulls with immediate effect as Tsunoda goes the other way to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull.  It is the first driver swap between the two teams since Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon during the 2019 summer break, with Verstappen himself earning his chance at Red Bull in 2016 following a swap with Daniil Kvyat. Lawson will now partner Isack Hadjar as he looks to develop and build experience in F1, with just 13 grand prix starts currently to his name ahead of the Japanese GP, and needing to rebuild his confidence following his swift demotion. Suzuka will be the first race of the year where Lawson has prior experience after Super Formula outings and the 2023 F1 race as the stand-in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo. But it is Tsunoda who finally gets his opportunity with Red Bull after four years with the 'sister' team. “We’re incredibly proud of Yuki earning his well-deserved move to Red Bull Racing," said Mekies. "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 have lightened up every corner of our factories and our garage, and he will always be a Racing Bull! We wish him all the success he deserves at ORBR." Welcoming Lawson back to the team, Mekies added: "Everyone here at VCARB is looking forward to working hard with Liam to give him the best environment possible for him to shine in our car and to 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.”