Laurent Mekies feels “proud that Yuki Tsunoda earned his Red Bull spot”. Laurent Mekies highlights the work done by his team to help Yuki Tsunoda mature.

If there is one Formula 1 team used to changing its drivers mid-season, it is undoubtedly Racing Bulls. Even in all its previous iterations, the Faenza team has always had to deal with the mood swings of Helmut Marko, who, since the energy drink giant appeared on the F1 scene, has burned through a long list of drivers in search of that Sebastian Vettel or Max Verstappen that only come along once in a decade.

And once again, Racing Bulls found itself inevitably involved in decisions coming from the top, from their “cousins” in Milton Keynes, who decided that Liam Lawson no longer deserved more than two races to settle into the team and adapt to the RB21, a car even a star like Verstappen described as difficult to handle, after being chosen to replace Sergio Perez, whose contract had already been terminated despite being valid for this year.

In this complicated situation, Racing Bulls prefer to look at the glass half full and emphasize the great work done over the years to help Yuki Tsunoda grow, who will join the four-time world champion at Red Bull from the next race in Suzuka.

“We are incredibly proud that Yuki has earned his place at Oracle Red Bull Racing! His progress last year, and more recently since the start of 2025, has been nothing short of sensational,” said team principal Laurent Mekies.

“Personally and collectively, it has been an immense privilege to witness this growth for all of us in Faenza and Milton Keynes. Yuki’s energy and positivity have lit up every corner of our facilities and our garage, and he will always be a ‘Racing Bull’! We wish him all the success he deserves at Red Bull,” he added.

The downside, however, is the step back for Lawson, who returns to the team with which he contested his first 11 F1 races, spread between 2023 and 2024, impressing positively in most instances. It will now be up to Racing Bulls’ team members to help him regain the confidence that has inevitably been shaken by the very sudden decision from Red Bull management.

“Everyone here at VCARB is looking forward to working hard with Liam to give him the best possible environment to shine with our car and express the talent we all recognize in him. Last year, he integrated very well, and we can’t wait to challenge ourselves and grow as a team. With Isack having started so well with us, we know we have a young and strong lineup,” Laurent Mekies concluded, also referring to what Isack Hadjar showed in the first two races of his F1 journey.