Tsunoda in Red Bull in Japan? Yuki has declared himself ready, setting up a direct showdown with Lawson, who, on the other hand, is asking Red Bull for more time
Unbelievable but true. What’s happening within Red Bull at the start of this season is difficult to explain, even for the most pessimistic observers. Liam Lawson’s start at the wheel of the Milton Keynes car has been nothing short of disastrous: aside from two qualifying sessions—including the Friday Sprint Qualifying—he has been eliminated in Q1 in all three rounds so far. Doubts are now beginning to arise among Red Bull’s top brass.
Even Liam Lawson’s biggest supporter—Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s head of promotions from Visa RB—has raised the alarm within the Austrian team, hinting at possible shake-ups in the near future. Just before the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, Marko had stated that Lawson would be given “a maximum of five more races” to prove himself. However, after yet another disastrous showing—his second consecutive P20 in qualifying—the situation is becoming increasingly concerning.
The verbal clash between Tsunoda and Lawson: Is Red Bull buying time?
In this turmoil, who stands to gain more than Yuki Tsunoda? The Japanese driver has had a strong start with Visa Cash App RB, delivering a stellar weekend in Australia—only to see it ruined by his team’s strategy, which mirrored Ferrari’s wet-weather miscalculation.
YNow in his fifth F1 season, Tsunoda has proven his talent, showing steady improvement over time. He arguably deserves the vacant Red Bull seat—left open since Sergio Perez’s departure—more than Lawson does. Is this finally his moment? When asked about the possibility post-qualifying, Yuki was clear and confident: I’ll be driving the Red Bull in Suzuka? Why not? From the Japanese GP? Sure, 100%. Red Bull is a much quicker car than ours”.
uki’s sharp yet provocative comment was a clear jab at the Red Bull rookie, showing that he’s eager to prove himself. In response, Lawson cautiously defended himself:
” It’s difficult to get into the right performance window with this car. I’d love to say that, with time, I’ll get there—but I know I don’t have time”.
A response that highlights his struggle to find answers and justifications. Lawson, an undeniably talented driver, may have been thrown into the deep end too soon by Marko—especially in such a challenging car. Perhaps promoting someone with more experience and the ability to handle Red Bull’s intense pressure wouldn’t have been the wrong call.
Photos: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team, Oracle Red Bull Racing