Red Bull closing in on Liam Lawson swap with Yuki Tsunoda for Japanese GP

Yuki Tsunoda is in line for a call up to Red Bull’s F1 team for next week’s Japanese Grand Prix – just as Motorsport exclusively reported last Sunday.

Lawson has come under pressure after making a difficult start to the season, crashing out of the Australian GP and was a lowly 15th place in China. The New Zealander has struggled to adjust to the RB21, which has prone to unpredictable handling and lacking in grip, which is not inspiring confidence. His teammate, however, four-time world champion Max Verstappen has fared better, but has still conceded he faces a mammoth task in retaining the title this season driving the RB21.

Motorsport understands that discussions are taking place that would see Lawson swap places with Tsunoda, although the move is complicated.

Tsunoda, 24, is backed financially by Red Bull’s engine suppliers Honda after graduating from the Japanese company’s racing school in 2016. His promotion to the Red Bull main team would be a huge boost to Honda, especially coming in the company’s home race at Suzuka next week and could trigger some financial ramifications.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who has vowed to stand by Lawson while also admitting the racing driver would find it “easier” to get up to speed with Red Bull’s sister team, Racing Bull.

By swapping the more-experienced Tsunoda, Lawson, who has only competed in 13 races, would be afforded time to get up to speed with F1. It also means that Tsunoda, who is now in his fifth season in F1, would be offered his chance to impress in a leading team after biding his time with Red Bull’s sister outfit. 

The move will raise eyebrows after Red Bull replaced Sergio Perez at the end of last season, despite the Mexican still having a contract with Red Bull for this season. Perez’s contract was cancelled in favour of promoting Lawson however, his below-performances – combined with a solid showing from Tsunoda – has been difficult to ignore.

Confirmation is now expected to come until the end of the week.