By Camille Lebez-Leroy
It only took two races for RedBull to decide to replace the reigning champion’s co-driver, Liam Lawson. It wasn’t until after the Shanghai Grand Prix, after the Neo-Zealander’s rather poor results, that the rumours began to grow in the paddock. To optimise their performance, we all know that Red Bull has a habit of changing drivers very quickly if they don’t seem to be up to scratch. So that’s why, on this spring day, Red Bull has announced that Yuki Tsunoda, currently driving for sister team Racing Bulls, will swap places with Liam Lawson, starting with the Japanese Grand Prix. Let’s take a look at the potential reasons why Tsunoda would be a more suitable partner for Verstappen at Red Bull.
Proven Performance and Consistency
Since his debut in 2021, Yuki Tsunoda has improved a lot. Since the start of the season, he has put in some excellent performances, notably by reaching the 3rd qualifying round on 2 occasions. And if we compare these results with those of Liam Lawson, who qualified in last place at the last Grand Prix, we quickly realise the gap in terms of performance. Results like these prove that Tsumoda is ready to take his game to the next level. Red Bull needs a driver who can score points and help Max Verstappen, and at this point in the year, Tsunoda has proved that he is the perfect driver to do just that.
Familiarity with Red Bull’s System
The Japanese driver has been part of the Red Bull family for years. He took part in the F2 and F3 championships supported by the Red Bull Junior Driver Academy and also made his Formula 1 debut in their second team. In other words, you can’t find someone who not only knows the way they work and what they expect from him but also knows the members of the team. This kind of relationship is invaluable when you want to join a top team like Red Bull. Lawson, on the other hand, although endowed with undeniable talent, has only made a handful of Formula One starts. Not having the same level of knowledge in terms of organisation or the workings of the Red Bull team can be a disadvantage when the pressure is on.
The Honda Factor
What’s more, Tsunoda’s contract with Honda is a huge strategic advantage since Red Bull’s engines have been supplied by the same company for several years, and they are one of the team’s main partners. Promoting Tsunoda wouldn’t just be a sporting decision; it would also strengthen Red Bull’s relationship with Honda, which could potentially lead to more support and collaboration. Knowing that Red Bull wants to maintain its partnership with Honda in the future, the addition of Tsunoda to the team could only strengthen the relationship between the 2 companies.
Maturity and Growth
Let’s be honest; Tsunoda had a reputation for being hot-headed at the beginning of his career. But over the past few years, he showed that he had matured. His ability to handle pressure has improved, and he’s proven that he can remain composed in tricky situations. Red Bull needs a driver who won’t crack under the pressure and the constant comparison with Verstappen. Since these last years, Tsunoda has had time to get used to this role, while on the other hand Lawson has at first managed to adapt to the fact that it is his first full-time seat in F1.
Conclusion: The Right Fit for Red Bull
Yuki Tsunoda was chosen by Red Bull because, in the end, they wanted someone who was prepared to step up and perform alongside Max Verstappen. He has worked hard, got better season after season, and proved that he can handle pressure. He was the perfect fit for the role because of his background, performance, and strong connection to Honda.
However, Liam Lawson’s journey is not yet over. He will be working with Isack Hadjar at Visa Cash App Racing Bulls as they see his potential. He can continue to grow, work on his skills, and show that he belongs in Formula One. Red Bull is making sure they have the best drivers in the right spots, not just for now but also for the future, with Tsunoda stepping up and Lawson keeping on improving.
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