Liam Lawson posted an emotional message on Instagram with a childhood photo of him, hours after Red Bull Racing announced that it would be demoting him to its junior Formula One team Racing Bulls. Yuki Tsunoda, who Lawson replaces, has been promoted to the Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen.

The New Zealander was assessed alongside Tsunoda during the second half of 2024 in the junior team for a potential Red Bull promotion. Following Sergio Perez’s Red Bull ousting after the season finale, Lawson was chosen for the promotion.

Now though, Red Bull has made a U-turn on its decision after just two races of the 2025 season, considering reported concerns about Lawson’s performance. The 23-year-old crashed in the opening race at Melbourne, given the tricky race conditions. The second race in China saw him finish P14 and P12 in the sprint race and Grand Prix, while he qualified P20 for both races.

Lawson revealed his long-time dream of racing for Red Bull. He wrote on Instagram:

“Being a @redbullracingdriver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life. It’s tough, but im grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world. [sic]

“Thank you @visacashapprb for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places.” [sic]

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner called the decision to drop Lawson from the team a sporting one. Newsweek Sports reported:

“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.”

Lawson will take the wheel of Racing Bulls’ VCARB02, while Tsunoda will pilot the RB21.