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Formula 1

Tsunoda-Lawson swap confirmed as Bottas enjoys McLaren test - RacingNews365 Review

A Red Bull-heavy day - to no one's surprise! Catch up with the biggest news stories of the day with the RacingNews365 Review.

Lawson Horner
Article
To news overview © XPBimages

Red Bull has made the brutal decision to drop Liam Lawson after just two grands prix and hand Yuki Tsunoda the chance he has long craved.

The move follows Lawson's wretched start to life in the Red Bull hot seat after team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko placed their faith in the New Zealander to replace Sergio Perez at the end of last year.

READ MORE: Red Bull confirm brutal Lawson Tsunoda driver swap

Valtteri Bottas makes F1 return with McLaren

Valtteri Bottas has returned to F1 driving duties for the first time since losing his full-time race seat with Stake.

The Finnish driver fell off the grid after the 2024 season after Stake elected to sign F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto to partner Nico Hulkenberg, but returned to Mercedes as a reserve driver to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.

READ MORE: Valtteri Bottas makes F1 return with McLaren

Horner reveals why Red Bull axed Lawson for Tsunoda

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.

READ MORE: Horner reveals why Red Bull axed Lawson for Tsunoda

Red Bull has finally come to its senses - but Tsunoda is still the wrong choice

The decision from Red Bull to promote Liam Lawson into the senior team for 2025 was an atrocious piece of decision-making, and all it has achieved is to destroy the self-confidence of a young driver. 

Yes, for sure, Lawson could have performed better than he did in his two grand prix weekends with the team. You can't be last in a healthy Red Bull in qualifying twice, even at a track you've never driven at. Quite simply, though, he was set up to fail by his bosses. 

READ MORE: Red Bull has finally come to its senses - but Tsunoda is still the wrong choice

			© Red Bull Content Pool
	© Red Bull Content Pool

Helmut Marko makes astonishing Adrian Newey admission after Lawson exit

Helmut Marko has conceded Red Bull is missing design guru Adrian Newey as it struggles to get to grips with a car that has led to the axing of Liam Lawson.

Lawson has been demoted to Racing Bulls after just two grands prix in his Red Bull career, with Yuki Tsunoda promoted to replace the New Zealander, starting with his home race next up in Japan.

READ MORE: Helmut Marko makes astonishing Adrian Newey admission after Lawson exit

Horner reveals Lawson's last sacrificial act for Red Bull

Christian Horner has revealed how what can now be viewed as Liam Lawson's last act for Red Bull could have a significant impact on the team's bid to overcome its struggles with its car this year.

Following a meeting of Red Bull's senior management in Dubai on Tuesday, it is known Lawson will be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Horner reveals Lawson's last sacrificial act for Red Bull

Also interesting:

WATCH: Lawson branded a ‘mistake’ as Red Bull make brutal change

Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding as they analyse the huge news from Red Bull, who confirmed Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson at the team.

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