Red Bull’s driver change isn’t the only tweak the team plans to make for the Japanese Grand Prix. The team is also intending to race in white at Suzuka, in a tribute to Japanese car giants Honda.
Red Bull had previously planned to honour their partner and engine provider Honda at the same race in 2020, only for it to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They instead paid tribute to Honda with white livery and race suits at the Turkish Grand Prix in 2021.
The new look in Suzuka is understood to be a tribute to the iconic Honda RA272. It was the car in which Honda secured their first ever F1 Grand Prix win – and the first ever win for a Japanese car – back in 1965.
News of Red Bull’s driver swap had broken earlier in the week, with Max Verstappen set to be joined by Yuki Tsunoda from this point forward. Former Racing Bulls driver Tsunoda has swapped teams with Liam Lawson, who struggled in his first two races on the senior team.
Lawson’s stint was extremely short-lived after he was chosen to take over from Sergio Perez. Tsunoda is expected to have longer to impress, though, with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko suggesting the 24-year-old will be allowed to show his worth over the remainder of the season.
“We believe he can do the job,” Marko told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Tsunoda made a big step.
“It’s strange after four years, now in his fifth year, he is a much stronger personality, he has more confidence and he did two very good races, it’s just his strategy didn’t work at Racing Bulls. In this case, a very difficult car experience is something that will help. That was our thoughts.”
Lawson shared an emotional Instagram message after his Red Bull career came to an unexpected end with no points on the board. “Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life,” he wrote.
“It’s tough, but I’m 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. Thank you @visacashapprb for the warm welcome. I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places”
Red Bull chief Christian Horner explained the driver change. “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,” he said. “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.”
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