Red Bull have confirmed that they will be replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda with immediate effect.

The move comes just two races into Lawson's Red Bull career, with the Kiwi having been promoted from sister team Racing Bulls – where he was the reserve driver – in the off-season.

Lawson has suffered in his early days in the big time, crashing out in Australia and finishing 12th in China, prompting team principal Christian Horner to make the move.

Tsunoda will now partner Max Verstappen at his home Japanese Grand Prix on 4-6 April, while Lawson will return to Racing Bulls and partner rookie driver Isack Hadjar.

Red Bull are third in the Constructors' Championship after two races, behind McLaren and Mercedes, while Verstappen suggested that their car may only be the fourth-fastest.

Announcing that @yukitsunoda07 will partner Max from the #JapaneseGP  pic.twitter.com/Pz05P7cFKF

— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) March 27, 2025

Verstappen finished second in the season opener in Melbourne and came fourth at the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend.

Lawson, meanwhile, benefited from disqualifications in China to boost his finishing position.

In a statement, Horner acknowledged difficulties with Red Bull's car, suggesting that Tsunoda would be better-placed to deal with it given his greater experience.

"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," he said.

"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."