Comparing Performance: Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda in Formula 1

Red Bull’s RB21 Formula 1 car boasts impressive performance, but it’s a secret that can only be unlocked within a specific, albeit narrow, timeframe. This observation becomes evident when comparing the performances of drivers occupying Red Bull’s rotating second seat. For instance, Liam Lawson has faced challenges, while Yuki Tsunoda has managed to exploit the car’s potential more effectively.

Liam Lawson’s Struggles and Improvements

Lawson has shown signs of improvement since moving down to Racing Bulls, although he’s mostly playing second fiddle to Isack Hadjar as he acclimates to the VCARB 02. Penalties and race pace have hindered his progress, with Hadjar consistently outperforming him in races.

Despite these setbacks, Lawson has demonstrated a stronger performance than his counterpart. For example, during the Saudi Arabian GP, Hadjar managed to overtake Fernando Alonso early on, preserving his hard tyres for a longer stint, while Lawson (on mediums) spent additional laps stuck behind the Aston Martin before finally passing.

Yuki Tsunoda’s Advantage and Progress

The gap between the two drivers at the finish line in the Saudi Arabian GP was just 1.4 seconds, largely due to Carlos Sainz slowing Hadjar down rather than Lawson finding exceptional pace on the hard tyre. However, Hadjar’s laps during Lawson’s stint were faster before being caught and passed by Lewis Hamilton.

Despite starting off with some struggles, Lawson is closing the gap to Hadjar, and the Frenchman feels that he’s beginning to face more competition as the season progresses. If Lawson can avoid in-race time penalties, he could break into the points this year.

This writer hopes to see Lawson succeed and demonstrate the talent he first showcased with AlphaTauri in 2023. He has the opportunity to prove that he deserves a long future in F1; although his current performances haven’t quite shown it, maintaining parity with Hadjar for the remainder of this season’s first half will significantly boost his chances.

Lawson needs to be honest with himself to reach his potential. While he claims his confidence didn’t take a hit after his Red Bull demotion, it undoubtedly did – and it should have done. Every driver on the grid has faced similar challenges. As the lyrics from Chumbawamba’s seminal classic Tubthumping suggest, a career isn’t defined by how one is knocked down, but how quickly one can get back up.

Racing Bulls VCARB 02 and the Championship Battle

The Racing Bulls VCARB 02 may not have the outright performance to challenge the top four teams, but it’s in a tight battle with Williams for fifth place in the championship. Lawson needs to focus on securing ninth and 10th places rather than getting embroiled in fights with Aston Martins and Saubers.

Yuki Tsunoda’s Early Success

Meanwhile, Tsunoda is showing that he was the better choice for Red Bull at the start. He’s consistently able to unlock the lap time needed to qualify for Q3, but he should have more in his arsenal when he gets there. As Gianluca d’Alessandro explained in his analysis of Tsunoda’s opening rounds, he’s already learned a lot about the car – but the learning process is ongoing. Patience will be key.

Now, Tsunoda seems capable of consistently delivering the lap time needed to qualify for Q3, but he should have far more in his locker when he gets there. As Gianluca d’Alessandro explained in his analysis of Tsunoda’s opening rounds, he’s already learned a lot about the car – but the learning process is ongoing. Patience will be a virtue.