Red Bull Shuffles Driver Lineup, Leaving Four-Time Champion Unhappy

In a surprising move, Red Bull has decided to drop Liam Lawson ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, replacing him with Yuki Tsunoda. After just three races into his rookie Formula 1 season, the team announced that Tsunoda will take Lawson’s spot alongside Max Verstappen from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards.

The Team’s Decision-Making Process

In the latter stages of the 2024 season, Red Bull assessed both Lawson and Tsunoda to decide who would replace Sergio Perez in the team for 2025. Despite Tsunoda’s four-year experience in Racing Bulls, the team opted to sign Lawson due to his ability to consistently perform under pressure. However, after three races, including the sprint race in China, the team has made a U-turn on this choice.

After the announcement was made yesterday, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko revealed to De Telegraaf that Verstappen is not happy with the decision. He explained, “We know Max is not happy. But we need two cars at the front. Not only for the constructors’ championship but also to help Max to his fifth world title. Then you can achieve more strategically in races. We can use Yuki’s experience and form now. That counts.”

The Mistake Behind the Decision

Speaking before the team made the final decision, Marko also explained why the team didn’t choose Tsunoda in the first place. “Yuki was too inconsistent. That’s why we unanimously decided on Lawson. But under the increased pressure, he couldn’t deliver, right from the first day in Australia. Then he went into a downward spiral. It’s like a battered boxer; it’s very difficult to get out of it. In that sense, it was a mistake.”

The Japanese Grand Prix weekend is the first opportunity Tsunoda will have to get behind the wheel of the RB21. With Verstappen’s discontent and the pressure to perform, the upcoming race promises to be an exciting event for Formula 1 fans.