Yuki Tsunoda shares first message after Red Bull promotion

Red Bull’s newest driver Yuki Tsunoda has shared his first message since signing with the team. 

The Milton Keynes squad has decided to move rookie Liam Lawson into its sister team, Racing Bulls, and promote Tsunoda to drive alongside Max Verstappen from the Japanese Grand Prix next week. This comes after the New Zealander’s struggles in the first two Grand Prix weekends of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

While the opportunity may have come rather quickly for Lawson – who arguably needed more time to adapt to the RB21, a car that has been difficult not only for him but also for his team-mate – Tsunoda has spent years patiently waiting for his shot at a Red Bull seat. The Honda-backed driver has had four full seasons with Racing Bulls, allowing the team to build its confidence in him. 

Speaking in a video following the announcement that he will take the spot alongside the four-time champion from the Japanese Grand Prix, Tsunoda explained:

“Hey guys, Yuki here! I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team and to the amazing VCARB fans for such an incredible ride and so many special memories. I’m staying in the Red Bull family so I won’t be far. I’ll see you guys around the paddock.”

In a further video sporting his new Red Bull team kit, Tsunoda shared: “I’m looking forward to running in my home GP with Red Bull Racing.”

In confirming the news of the driver swap, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner explained that the team has a “duty of care” to help Lawson build his F1 career and gain more experience at Racing Bulls. The Brit also acknowledged Tsunoda’s experience which they feel will help guide the team in the right direction along with Verstappen.

“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. We came into the 2025 season, with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title and this is a purely sporting decision.

“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. We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.

“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well.”