Yuki Tsunoda set for Red Bull F1 debut at Suzuka

In a ruthless move that’s rocking the Formula 1 world, Red Bull Racing has reportedly axed Liam Lawson just two races into the 2025 season, with Yuki Tsunoda set to take his seat for next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.

The 22-year-old Kiwi struggled out of the gate, crashing out in Melbourne and limping to a 16th-place finish in Shanghai — more than a minute behind teammate Max Verstappen.

Back-to-back Q1 exits in qualifying didn’t help his case, and it appears Red Bull’s brass has seen enough.

Reports out of Europe say the decision was made following emergency meetings in Dubai, home to Red Bull’s primary stakeholder Chalerm Yoovidhya.

There’s also speculation that engine partner Honda lobbied hard for Tsunoda’s promotion, especially with Japan hosting the next race.

Now in his fifth F1 season, Tsunoda will finally make his long-awaited Red Bull debut — and on home soil, no less. Despite the shakeup, oddsmakers haven’t budged on Red Bull’s title chances. Top sportsbooks still list them at +2800 with Nags.bet to win the Constructors’ Championship.

While Red Bull hasn’t officially confirmed the move, multiple outlets — including former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher — are saying Lawson is already out.

Whether he gets shuffled to Racing Bulls or dropped from the grid entirely, it’s one of the coldest driver cuts we’ve seen in years.

Critics are questioning why Lawson got the seat over Tsunoda in the first place, especially given how tricky the new RB21 car is to handle.

Hindsight’s 20/20, but with Tsunoda hitting stride and openly campaigning for the job, the writing was on the wall.

“In Japan? Yeah, 100 percent,” Tsunoda said when asked if he’d take Lawson’s spot — a comment that Red Bull’s PR team quickly tried to scrub.

With Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren all closing in, Red Bull knows Verstappen can’t win the Constructors’ title solo. This bold mid-season call proves how far the team is willing to go to stay on top.

For Lawson, it’s a tough reminder that in F1, second chances are rare. For Tsunoda, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.

And for Red Bull? Just another high-stakes gamble in the world’s most cutthroat motorsport.