Thunodas’ “sensational” advances make him worthy of Red Bull Drive, but the Rathur Mekies, principal of the Racing Bulls team, says Liam Lawson is ready to rebuild his confidence.
Red Bull chose to swap two drivers just two rounds of the new season after Lawson struggled with Red Bull, not fleeing the first quarter in Australia or China, or approaching a point-salary finish on each occasion. Tsunoda was chosen as his replacement early in his fifth season with the junior team, and Meki says that Japanese driver development needs to be acknowledged amid the Switch shock.
“We are extremely proud that Yuki has achieved the move that is deserved for the Oracle Red Bull race,” Mekies said. “From his progress last year and more recently, from the start of 2025, he’s nothing but sensational.
“It was a very privilege to witness the progress of all of us at Faenza and Milton Keynes personally and collectively. Yuki’s energy and positivity brightens up every corner of the factory and garage, and he will always become a bull of racing!
Lawson was dropped to Red Bull after two races with the team. This is the fastest change to break Pierre Guthrie’s previous record in 12 races in 2019. The Mekies focuses on helping him regain the form he showed for the Racing Bulls last year.
“Everyone here at VCARB looks forward to working hard with Liam to give him the best possible environment for him to shine in our car. He has expressed the talent he fits very well last year.
This change will be made quickly and effectively by racing from home races for Red Bull after the Japanese Grand Prix. Red Bull said the move was made for sporting reasons alone, and the team has already adopted McLaren’s 42-point drift in the Constructors Championship.