Breaking: Red Bull statement delivered on Lawson as Vettel h….read more
Red Bull Faces Dilemma Over Lawson’s Performance as Tsunoda Looms as Replacement
Red Bull Racing is facing increasing scrutiny over Liam Lawson’s disappointing start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. After just two races, discussions are already emerging about whether the team will make changes to its driver lineup.
Lawson, a 23-year-old New Zealander, was promoted to Red Bull’s senior team to race alongside three-time world champion Max Verstappen. However, his performances in the opening rounds have failed to impress. His debut race at the Australian Grand Prix ended in disappointment when he was eliminated in Q1, securing a lowly 18th-place start. The race itself went from bad to worse, as Lawson struggled in difficult weather conditions before ultimately retiring due to a spin. While the team’s strategy played a part in his downfall, team principal Christian Horner acknowledged that Lawson had displayed promising pace in dry conditions.
The Chinese Grand Prix did little to ease concerns about Lawson’s form. A last-place qualification was followed by a modest recovery to 12th in the race, but this result was not enough to silence speculation over his future. As a result, rumors have surfaced suggesting that Red Bull is considering replacing him as early as the Japanese Grand Prix, with Yuki Tsunoda emerging as the most likely candidate.
Tsunoda, who had a strong 2024 season with Red Bull’s junior team, RB, was widely considered a contender for the senior team seat before Lawson was given the nod. The Japanese driver has shown solid form in the early stages of 2025, including an impressive sixth-place finish in the China Sprint, despite struggling in the main race. His ability to extract pace from a car that has proven difficult to handle has led many to believe he could be a more viable option for Red Bull.
One of the main reasons behind Lawson’s struggles is the RB21’s design philosophy. Red Bull’s latest car has been developed to suit Verstappen’s aggressive driving style, featuring a strong front end and an unpredictable rear. While Verstappen thrives in such conditions, this setup has historically troubled his teammates, and Lawson appears to be the latest victim of this trend. Several previous Red Bull drivers, including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Pérez, have all faced similar difficulties adapting to cars designed around Verstappen’s preferences.
Despite mounting pressure, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko, has urged patience, stating that Lawson will have time to improve over the next few races. However, the fast-moving nature of Formula 1 means that underperforming drivers are rarely given much leeway. If Lawson fails to deliver stronger results soon, the team may be forced to act quickly to remain competitive in both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
Adding to the weekend’s headlines, former Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel received an unexpected mention in Shanghai. Lewis Hamilton’s pole position lap for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix broke Vettel’s previous lap record at the circuit, which had stood since 2018. This milestone serves as a reminder of how quickly Formula 1 evolves, with teams constantly pushing the boundaries of performance in their pursuit of success.
As Red Bull contemplates its next steps, the situation remains fluid. Lawson’s fate will likely depend on his ability to adapt to the car and deliver better results in the upcoming races. Meanwhile, Tsunoda’s strong performances continue to put pressure on Red Bull’s management to make a decision. The coming rounds will be crucial in determining whether Red Bull sticks with Lawson or opts for a driver swap, underlining the relentless nature of the sport and the team’s pursuit of excellence.
