Helmut Marko confirms Yuki Tsunoda to race full season for Red Bull

Dominika Jordan
Mar 29, 2025, 03:57 AM ET

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will retain his seat for the entire season after being unexpectedly promoted to replace Liam Lawson. This decision comes as Lawson faced difficulties in his initial outings as Max Verstappen's teammate.

The Japanese driver, who has moved up from the junior team Racing Bulls, is set to make his debut at his home race, the Japanese Grand Prix.

Marko was clear about the team's stance on maintaining stability through 2025, even if Tsunoda encounters troubles. "Yuki Tsunoda will finish the season," he asserted in an interview with Formel1.de.

Lawson's rapid demotion has sparked controversy. Verstappen himself appeared to show dissatisfaction by liking a post critical of the decision. Aware of the discontent, Marko justified the move by emphasizing Tsunoda's development since joining the junior team in 2021.

"Yuki Tsunoda is a fast driver, we know that, but he's had his ups and downs," Marko remarked. "That's why we thought Lawson was the better and stronger candidate. But Yuki has undergone a transformation. He changed his management, and in this situation, this was simply the best option."

The decision to elevate Tsunoda came after successful simulator sessions following the Chinese Grand Prix. "We had to act quickly," Marko explained. "And everything was positive. Also, the technical feedback, which he had often been accused of lacking, that he didn't understand the technical side or couldn't set up a car -- that also turned out to be incorrect."

As Tsunoda gears up for his first race in a senior team seat at the Japanese Grand Prix, all eyes will be on the young driver to see if he can meet the high expectations set by Red Bull.