The Kiwi will return to the Racing Bulls junior team just two races into the 2025 season, with Tsunoda receiving a long-awaited chance to partner world champion Max Verstappen at the senior team from his home race at Suzuka on April 6.

Lawson has struggled in the opening two races of the season - failing to score a point - which has led Red Bull to "exercise a driver rotation" to boost their chances of regaining the constructors' championship.

Team principal Christian Horner said: "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."

Horner cited Tsunoda's greater experience as the reason for the early swap as Red Bull look to improve their tricky car.

He said: "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."