The Faenza-based team VCARB experienced numerous changes during the 2025 Formula 1 season, ranging from promotions to Red Bull Racing to driver demotions.
The Visa Cash App RB season was marked by several major changes, especially during the opening phase of the year. After just two races, VCARB’s driver line-up was completely reshuffled, with Yuki Tsunoda promoted to Red Bull Racing and Liam Lawson demoted back to the Faenza-based team. The Japanese driver, who had been part of the Faenza squad since 2021, was selected by the Milton Keynes outfit to partner Max Verstappen following Lawson’s underwhelming results.
Despite this early upheaval, VCARB managed to score 92 points over the course of the season, equalling its best-ever result in the constructors’ championship by finishing sixth.
From VCARB to Red Bull
Over the years, many drivers have passed through VCARB before earning promotion to Red Bull Racing, including Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo and Pierre Gasly. This underlines the Italian team’s long-standing role as a key part of Red Bull’s junior driver programme.
The initial 2025 line-up for the Faenza-based squad consisted of Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar. The French rookie enjoyed an impressive debut season, managing to secure the first podium of his Formula 1 career by finishing third at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson, after returning to Visa Cash App RB, was also able to rediscover consistency in his results. The New Zealand driver delivered several strong performances, including an excellent fifth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Changes at the top
Visa Cash App RB did not experience changes only within its driver line-up. In July 2025, following the announcement of Christian Horner’s departure from Red Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies was appointed as the new team principal of the Milton Keynes squad. As a result, Alan Permane stepped in to take Laurent Mekies’ former role at VCARB.
Future prospects
The 2026 season will also bring significant changes for VCARB. In addition to the introduction of new cars and the new technical regulations set to come into force next year, the Italian team will field a revised driver line-up.
Following the announcement of Isack Hadjar’s promotion to Red Bull Racing, Arvid Lindblad will take his place alongside Liam Lawson. The young driver, who is part of the Red Bull junior programme, will not be making his absolute Formula 1 debut. During the recently concluded season, Arvid Lindblad already took part in several free practice sessions, gaining valuable experience ahead of his full-time step into the championship.
As VCARB enters this new era, the focus remains on nurturing this youthful energy to bridge the gap to the front of the grid.
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