Breaking: Red Bull chief reveals why F1 star IS NOT Verstappen’s…read more
Red Bull chief reveals why F1 star IS NOT Verstappen’s…read more
Red Bull’s decision to replace Sergio Perez with Liam Lawson for the 2025 F1 season has sparked much discussion. Following a disappointing 2024 season, where Perez finished 285 points behind teammate Max Verstappen, the team was forced to make a change. Perez’s performance had a negative impact on Red Bull’s constructors’ championship standings, with the team dropping to third despite being the reigning champions.
Despite Yuki Tsunoda having more experience, with 87 Grand Prix starts compared to Lawson’s 11, Red Bull chose the 22-year-old Kiwi over the Japanese driver. Helmut Marko, a senior figure at Red Bull, shed light on why Tsunoda was overlooked for the role. Marko acknowledged Tsunoda’s speed but emphasized his inconsistency and emotional approach to racing, which ultimately worked against him. “His speed is undisputed, but he lacks a certain consistency and is also a very emotional driver,” Marko said in an interview with Kleine Zeitung. On the other hand, Lawson’s “overall package” was deemed a better fit for the team. Marko also mentioned that Tsunoda will remain a key figure within the Red Bull family, as he continues his work with the Racing Bulls in a supporting role.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, also commented on Tsunoda’s future with the organization. While the Japanese driver remains in the fold for 2025, Horner hinted that Tsunoda might be nearing the end of his tenure within the Red Bull setup if he doesn’t secure a main driver role soon. “You can’t have a driver in the support team for five years,” Horner explained. “You either let them go or look at something different.” His comments suggest that if Tsunoda does not get a chance to progress to a lead driver position soon, Red Bull may part ways with him.
The decision to bring in Lawson instead of Tsunoda reflects Red Bull’s emphasis on finding a driver who can match Verstappen’s performance and help the team maintain its dominance. Lawson’s selection, despite his limited experience, highlights Red Bull’s focus on long-term potential and consistency, as they look to secure a strong pairing alongside Verstappen for the 2025 season.
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