According to sources at Sky Sports News, Red Bull is seriously contemplating swapping Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix.
Lawson`s start with Red Bull has been challenging. He was eliminated in the first qualifying stage in all three sessions and hasn`t shown strong race pace, especially compared to his teammate Max Verstappen.
Red Bull promoted Lawson from their junior team, Racing Bulls, after he participated in just 11 grand prix races. They chose the younger driver over Yuki Tsunoda, who had more experience.
When Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was asked about the possibility of this driver swap after the race in China, he didn`t deny the report.
Horner stated that there`s always speculation in Formula 1 and that they would review the information after the race.
Regarding claims from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko about a meeting to discuss Lawson`s performance, Horner mentioned that nothing specific was planned yet.
After Lawson`s difficult qualifying, where he struggled with his tire temperature, Red Bull adjusted his car setup, which violated parc ferme rules and forced him to start from the pit lane.
Horner commented that Lawson had a tough weekend and a difficult couple of races. He explained that they changed the car setup to gather data and support Lawson.
Horner acknowledged that Lawson is currently struggling with confidence in the car and that the setup changes were aimed at finding a more confidence-inspiring configuration for him.
Lawson told Sky Sports F1 that he wished he had more test days before racing, similar to other drivers who tested extensively outside of race weekends. He admitted it wasn`t an excuse but something he needed to overcome.
Sky Sports F1’s Karun Chandhok suggested that Red Bull could have better prepared Lawson by giving him extensive testing in an older car, similar to Mercedes` approach with young drivers. He pointed out that Mercedes has set a new standard for rookie preparation.
Horner expressed sympathy for Lawson, noting the growing pressure and media attention on the young driver. He reiterated that Red Bull`s duty is to support him and help him realize his potential, which they believe he possesses but isn`t currently demonstrating.
While the initial races were at tracks Lawson was unfamiliar with, Horner dismissed this as a primary reason for his struggles, stating that F1 drivers usually adapt quickly. He emphasized that the team would analyze the data to understand the situation better.
Tsunoda has previously voiced his disappointment at not being promoted but has been performing well this season. Despite some unfortunate events costing him points, he achieved a notable sixth place in the Shanghai Sprint.
Horner praised Tsunoda`s performance as an experienced driver, highlighting his strong qualifying and acknowledging that strategy and a front-wing issue affected his race in China. He also recalled Tsunoda`s good performance the previous weekend.
Tsunoda had tested Verstappen`s championship-winning car last year, but it was reported that Red Bull was already leaning towards replacing Sergio Perez with Lawson at that time.
Horner confirmed that Tsunoda`s test performance was positive and provided useful data, but emphasized that the team considers a wide range of information when evaluating drivers.
The Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit is scheduled for April 4-6.
