Former Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has confirmed that the decision to swap Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda early in the 2025 Formula 1 season was not his own. The unexpected move, which saw Lawson demoted back to Racing Bulls after just two race weekends, has been a source of speculation within the paddock, and Horner has now revealed the decision originated from elsewhere within the Red Bull organization.
The change came after Sergio Perez’s contract with Red Bull Racing expired at the end of 2024, paving the way for Lawson, a New Zealander, to take his seat alongside four-time champion Max Verstappen. However, Lawson’s opportunity was short-lived. He competed in only two grands prix and one sprint race – all on tracks he hadn’t previously raced – before being replaced by Tsunoda ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
Speaking in the upcoming eighth season of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, Horner stated plainly, “It wasn’t my choice. I was always pushed to take drivers from the Young Driver Programme. Helmut was a big driver in it.” This points to the significant influence of Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor and a key figure in their driver development program, in orchestrating the swap.
The timing of the decision raised eyebrows, given Lawson’s limited opportunity to prove himself in the high-pressure environment of Red Bull Racing. The move effectively halted Lawson’s momentum after he had stepped up from his role as a reserve driver to fill Perez’s seat. The swiftness of the change underscored the importance Red Bull places on its Young Driver Programme and its willingness to prioritize drivers coming through its system, even at the expense of potentially giving a promising talent like Lawson a longer look.
Horner’s comments come as he reflects on his 20-year tenure as CEO and team principal of Red Bull Racing, a role he recently vacated. He was replaced by Laurent Mekies, formerly of Racing Bulls. “The reality is that for me over the last 20 years, on the good days and the bad days, it’s been an epic journey,” Horner reflected, acknowledging the complexities and challenges of leading the team through two decades of success.
While the driver swap was not his decision, Horner’s departure from Red Bull Racing has been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation. The circumstances surrounding his exit remain somewhat opaque, but his comments suggest a degree of frustration with internal dynamics and a loss of control over key decisions, such as the one regarding Lawson and Tsunoda.
Despite the abrupt end to his time at the helm of Red Bull Racing, Horner expressed a sense of acceptance. “I never imagined being in this position,” he said. “Of course, your immediate reaction when you’re handed a sandwich like that is to say, ‘fuck you.’ Something that wasn’t my decision has been taken away from me, something that was very precious to me.” This candid remark hints at the emotional toll the situation has taken on Horner, despite his attempts to maintain a professional demeanor.
Interestingly, Lawson himself appears to hold no ill will towards Verstappen. Speaking on the Gypsy Tales Podcast, Lawson described the four-time world champion as “such a nice guy,” revealing a side of Verstappen that is rarely seen by the public. This positive relationship suggests a level of respect and camaraderie between the two drivers, even amidst the turbulent circumstances of Lawson’s demotion.
The Lawson-Tsunoda swap continues to be a talking point within the Formula 1 community, not only for its unexpected nature but also for the insights it provides into the internal workings of the Red Bull organization. Horner’s confirmation that the decision was not his own sheds light on the power dynamics at play and the significant influence of Helmut Marko in shaping the team’s driver lineup. As Red Bull Racing moves forward under new leadership, the implications of this decision and the broader context of Horner’s departure will undoubtedly continue to be debated and analyzed.
