Red Bull Driver Change: Lawson Out, Tsunoda In for Japanese GP

Red Bull has announced a driver swap, replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. This move raises several important questions.

Why the Swap Now?

According to Red Bull`s statement, this `driver rotation` is purely a `sporting decision` aimed at improving their chances in the constructors` championship, which McLaren won the previous year.

Team principal Christian Horner mentioned a `duty of care` for Lawson, suggesting the swap is intended to `protect and develop` him after challenging races in the RB21.

• Red Bull cites `duty of care` in Lawson-Tsunoda driver change.

Despite Red Bull`s explanation, the decision is undeniably harsh for Lawson, especially considering his recent promotion from Racing Bulls.

Lawson`s performance in his two race weekends was unexpectedly poor. His qualifying results were 18th, 20th, and 20th – the worst for a Red Bull driver in 20 years. Race results were a retirement (crash) in Australia, 14th in the China Sprint, and 12th in the Chinese GP (after disqualifications ahead).

In contrast, Max Verstappen consistently qualified in the top two rows and finished second, third, and fourth in the same RB21 car.

These results put Verstappen close to the Drivers` Championship lead, but Lawson`s lack of points means Red Bull is significantly behind McLaren in the constructors` standings, which impacts team prize money.

Lawson himself admitted his pace was `just not good enough` after poor qualifying in Shanghai.

Craig Slater from Sky Sports News commented that removing Lawson from the pressure might be beneficial in the long run. He noted that Lawson appeared `frazzled`, `at a loss`, and the situation seemed `too much too soon`.

Slater emphasized the stark difference in performance, highlighting Lawson`s qualifying results as uncharacteristic for a Red Bull driver.

Liam Lawson`s Red Bull Results

Why Not Give Lawson More Time?

This is a central question for Horner at Suzuka. Did Lawson deserve more time to improve, especially given Verstappen acknowledged the RB21 is challenging? Red Bull themselves admitted the car needs significant development.

Red Bull has a history of mid-season driver changes, but replacing Lawson so early is unusual.

Lawson`s comment about `not having time` after qualifying in China, referring to the season`s pace, turned out to be literally true.

He had limited F1 experience (11 starts with the junior team) and had never raced at the first two circuits this season.

Ironically, Suzuka is familiar to Lawson from his Super Formula season in 2023 and a previous F1 race where he finished ahead of Tsunoda.

The following race is in Bahrain, where Lawson previously tested the RB21.

Why Lawson Initially Over Tsunoda?

Red Bull announced Lawson as Verstappen`s teammate in December. It was becoming clear Sergio Perez would be replaced, and Lawson was chosen over the more experienced Tsunoda.

While Red Bull often promotes junior drivers, the choice of Lawson over Tsunoda sparked debate.

Lawson debuted in F1 in 2023, replacing the injured Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri. He performed well, scoring points and finishing just outside the points twice.

In 2024, replacing Ricciardo for six races, Lawson was slightly outperformed by Tsunoda in qualifying and points.

However, Lawson`s assertiveness and potential to match Verstappen`s demanding driving style were likely factors in his initial promotion.

Why Tsunoda Now?

If Tsunoda is now ready, why wasn`t he considered earlier? Is it solely due to Lawson`s struggles, or has Tsunoda`s strong start to the season changed Red Bull`s view?

Tsunoda had considerable experience with Racing Bulls before December, making a sudden change in perception less likely based purely on a few more races.

Tsunoda has indeed started the season impressively, with strong qualifying and race results in a surprisingly competitive Racing Bulls car. Helmut Marko has noted Tsunoda`s improved performance this year.

Tsunoda`s Honda connection, which was previously seen as a potential disadvantage, remains. Have Red Bull`s initial reservations about Tsunoda disappeared, or is this a necessary move given the circumstances?

Horner stated Tsunoda`s experience would be valuable in developing the current car, suggesting his experience is better suited to address the car`s current issues.

What If Tsunoda Doesn`t Perform Better?

This is another key question for Horner. Tsunoda will lack pre-season testing in the RB21 and will jump straight into action at Suzuka. He will have simulator time to prepare.

Despite more F1 experience, Tsunoda is less familiar with the Red Bull team than Lawson, who has been a reserve driver. Lawson has also driven Red Bull cars more in testing.

Verstappen`s Perspective?

Verstappen`s opinion on this swap is of interest. Will he see it as pragmatic, or question the team`s decision-making?

Verstappen`s social media activity has hinted at his views. He `liked` a post criticizing Red Bull`s treatment of Lawson, suggesting support for the young driver.

The post criticized the move as `bullying` and damaging to Lawson`s spirit after only two races. It urged Lawson to `prove them wrong`.

Other drivers, including Gasly and Piastri, also `liked` the supportive post.

While the context of Verstappen`s `like` is unclear, he previously showed support for Lawson during the Chinese GP weekend, acknowledging the car`s difficulty.

Verstappen noted the performance gap between teammates in other teams was smaller, suggesting the Red Bull car is particularly challenging. He implied Lawson might perform better in the Racing Bulls car, which he believes is easier to drive.

Verstappen cryptically commented on Racing Bulls` strong start, hinting it might reflect on Red Bull`s car.

Why Not a More Experienced Driver Initially?

Red Bull did sign an experienced driver – Perez. However, his two-year contract renewal didn`t improve his performance.

Perez struggled, costing Red Bull points and potentially the constructors` title. This made a change inevitable.

Red Bull chose Perez over Carlos Sainz, a former junior driver, and also brought back Ricciardo as an option, but neither fully addressed the performance gap.

Max Verstappen`s Red Bull Teammates

Why Do Verstappen`s Teammates Struggle?

Tsunoda will be Verstappen`s sixth teammate in 10 seasons. After Ricciardo`s departure, Gasly and Albon, despite promise, had short tenures.

Perez initially worked well, but struggled from mid-2023 as the car`s characteristics became problematic for him.

The RB21, while new, seems equally challenging. Lawson noted the need for `100 percent confidence` and admitted to missing the `small window` to extract performance.

Is the Car Designed Only for Verstappen?

While a common question, it`s likely an oversimplification. Red Bull, like all teams, aims to build the fastest car possible.

Red Bull`s challenge is heightened as they have been surpassed by McLaren and other rivals in performance after a period of dominance.

Horner described Verstappen`s preference for a `very positive front-end` and `sharp turn-in`. The consequence is a car that is fast but potentially demanding and with a narrow operating window, making it difficult for drivers less attuned to those characteristics.