Reports: Red Bull considering Yuki Tsunoda for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix

The civil war inside the Red Bull team for the second driver's seat in their senior team has now taken a new turn. The Austrian F1 team has been struggling to get a second driver, for many years since Daniel Ricciardo left the team in 2018. 

They tried Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and now Liam Lawson. Nobody is near their number 1 driver Max Verstappen in terms of pace and race wins. Many raised concerns regarding the Red Bull car as it is more suited to Verstappen’s style of driving, which has a sharper front end. 

The F1 Chinese Grand Prix is over now and Max as usual finished in P4 which is a huge result for the team considering their pace. But Liam Lawson is nowhere near Verstappen as he is still adapting to his new car. In Australia, he crashed due to the wet surface and in China, he finished outside the points table in P15.

Is Yuki Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson?

Whose side are you on: Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda? 👀#f1#formula1#Sportsinfoxtreme#LiamLawson#YukiTsunoda#RedBull#VCARBpic.twitter.com/gbISXpue2G

— SportsInfo Xtreme (@Sportsinfo22073) March 24, 2025

Reports are emerging as Red Bull is considering replacing him with their Junior driver Yuki Tsunoda from the 2025 Japanese Grand prix. Christian Horner the Team principal was asked about this news and he didn't utter a word. VCARB driver Yuki Tsunoda was also asked the same question and the Japanese driver said "Japan? Yeah, 100%. The Red Bull car is faster." There is still no official confirmation, but discussions were happening regarding the matter inside the Red Bull garage. 

Red Bull's Top boss Helmut Marko acknowledged Yuki and praised the Japanese driver for his amazing driving in the first two races. Marko said “ "Yuki is a different Yuki from the years before. He is in the form of his life. Obviously, he changed his management. He has a different approach. He's more mature. It took a while, but now it looks like it's working.”

Earlier this year Horner told about releasing Yuki Tsunoda from the driver contract at the end of the season as they can't keep a driver without giving a promotion for many years. But, now the same management thinks of replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki after seeing their performances in the first two races. If he gets a chance, it will be a big leap for Yuki as finally, Red Bull recognised him for his talent and results. There are also talks about Franco Colapinto moving to the Junior Red Bull team very soon. 

Also Read: Max Verstappen jokes about the only way to help Red Bull win the 2025 Chinese GP