‘We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam’ – Horner opens up on decision to replace Lawson at Red Bull

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has opened up on the reasoning behind the decision to replace Liam Lawson at the team after two races, with the Team Principal stating that the squad “have a duty of care to protect and develop” the New Zealander.

After stepping in to replace Daniel Ricciardo at the then-named RB outfit during the latter stages of 2024, Lawson was promoted to the main team for 2025 following the exit of Sergio Perez, the Mexican having endured a tough campaign that saw Red Bull slip backwards from first to third in the Teams’ Championship.

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However, Lawson’s tenure with the Milton Keynes-based outfit got off to a difficult start, with the 23-year-old crashing out on debut in Australia amid challenging weather conditions before ending the Chinese Grand Prix in 15th, a result that later became 12th following a trio of post-race disqualifications ahead.

As speculation grew that the team may already be considering a change, it has since been confirmed that Lawson will return to the Racing Bulls outfit as of the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, while Yuki Tsunoda moves to Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s new team mate.

Following the news, Horner explained that the squad felt the need to “act quickly” in order to provide Lawson with an environment that he knows well as he continues his development.

“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,” said Horner.

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“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.”

Laurent Mekies, Team Principal at Racing Bulls, also spoke of his team’s role in supporting Lawson as he gets set to partner rookie Isack Hadjar.

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“Everyone here at VCARB is looking forward to working hard with Liam to give him the best environment possible for him to shine in our car and to express the talent we all know he has,” Mekies commented.

“He fit in so well last year, and we cannot wait to challenge ourselves and grow as a team. With Isack having started so strongly with us already, we know we have a young and strong line-up.”