F1 UWU: Red Bull star issues apology after fierce outburst at F1 rival… Read more
Red Bull’s Syar Apologises After Blistering Outburst at F1 Rival
By Hugo Harvey
Saturday, 25 October 2025 | 16:58
Red Bull junior driver Yuki Tsunoda has publicly apologised after a heated outburst aimed at fellow Red Bull-affiliated racer Liam Lawson during the United States Grand Prix weekend. The Japanese driver admitted that his comments following a frustrating qualifying session in Austin were “very unnecessary” and that he has since apologised to his Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) team.
The incident unfolded after Tsunoda was eliminated early in qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas, having failed to begin his final flying lap before the chequered flag fell. The 25-year-old, visibly irritated by how his session had unravelled, voiced his frustration in a post-session interview, suggesting that Lawson – who previously filled his seat earlier in the season – might have deliberately hindered his progress.
When asked about whether Lawson had blocked him during the decisive moments of qualifying, Tsunoda didn’t hold back. “With Lawson, it’s just the usual story,” he fumed. “He’s always doing something on purpose, and it’s b*******, so it’s him. I don’t care about him, to be honest.”
The comments immediately raised eyebrows across the paddock, not only because both drivers are part of the Red Bull family, but also because they have shared intertwined career paths over the past year. Lawson had impressed during his brief stint with VCARB earlier in the season, standing in for Tsunoda when the Japanese driver was sidelined for two races. Since returning to his seat, Tsunoda has faced increasing pressure to deliver strong performances as Red Bull evaluates its future driver lineup.
The tension between the two young drivers was palpable heading into the next race weekend. In an almost ironic twist, the FIA paired Tsunoda and Lawson together for Thursday’s official pre-race press conference ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, forcing them to address the situation directly in front of the media.
During the press session, Tsunoda was asked whether he and Lawson had cleared the air following the verbal outburst. “I don’t think we have spoken in person,” Tsunoda admitted, appearing somewhat sheepish. “I apologised to the team, to VCARB. What I said, especially in the media, was very unnecessary. And I think… yeah. That’s it.”
While Tsunoda made it clear that his apology was directed towards his team rather than Lawson himself, his comments signaled a recognition that his emotional response had crossed a line. The Japanese driver has earned a reputation for his fiery personality and passionate approach both on and off the track, traits that have sometimes landed him in hot water with team bosses and the media alike.
Lawson, on the other hand, appeared calm and diplomatic when asked about the issue. “Yeah, I mean, it’s an intense part of the season,” he said. “So for sure, obviously, each weekend’s going to be tough. It’s just incredibly close this year. So each session – especially in qualifying – we’re trying to extract everything. So it’s little things that make a difference.”
The New Zealander’s response helped defuse the situation, emphasising the high-pressure environment both drivers operate in rather than stoking further tension. Still, Tsunoda’s comments have drawn attention to the internal competitiveness within the Red Bull driver program, where every performance and public statement can affect future career opportunities.
Despite his apology, the incident has done little to ease speculation over Tsunoda’s future. The Japanese racer’s contract with Red Bull’s sister team is believed to be under review, and with promising talents like Isack Hadjar also vying for promotion, Tsunoda’s seat could be under real threat heading into the 2026 season.
For now, Tsunoda will be hoping to put the controversy behind him and refocus on the final rounds of the championship. His strong race pace earlier in the season showed glimpses of maturity and improvement, but moments like the Austin outburst risk overshadowing that progress.
As Formula 1 heads to Mexico, all eyes will be on how Tsunoda handles the pressure and whether his apology marks a genuine turning point in his approach. Both he and Lawson will be keen to let their performances on track do the talking — a far more effective way to settle scores in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
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