Lawson out, Tsunoda in: Why Red Bull are preparing an early driver change
Mar 26, 2025
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The imminent driver change at Red Bull raises eyebrows as Liam Lawson makes way for Yuki Tsunoda. The team’s evaluation of Lawson reveals struggles in pace that could not match Verstappen's. Discussions dive into the implications of this swift decision just two races in. Tsunoda now faces a golden opportunity, but can he seize it? The podcast also critiques overall driver management strategies and considers whether other drivers might have better harnessed the car's potential. High stakes and performance dynamics make for a riveting analysis.
36:34
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Quick takeaways
Red Bull's swift driver change from Lawson to Tsunoda highlights their critical challenges in managing talent and expectations efficiently.
Tsunoda's return offers him a pivotal chance to demonstrate his improved skills and calm demeanor amidst the pressures of Formula One.
Deep dives
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Red Bull's Driver Switch: Tsunoda to Lawson
The unprecedented switch from Liam Lawson to Yuki Tsunoda for the Japanese Grand Prix highlights Red Bull's challenges in driver management. Lawson's brief stint raised questions about the team's decision-making, as it was unexpected for a driver change to occur so rapidly after just two races. Insights reveal that Red Bull's initial belief in Lawson's potential, based on his similar racing style to Max Verstappen, ultimately led to disappointment as performance data did not match expectations. The chaotic decision reflects deeper issues within the Red Bull driver strategy and raises concerns over their reaction to early setbacks.
Tsunoda's Opportunity for Redemption
Yuki Tsunoda's return to the Red Bull seat provides him a unique opportunity to prove his capabilities amid previous doubts about his performance. His strong early season results and increasing confidence suggest he can make a significant impact as he adjusts to the challenging dynamics of the car during home races. Having developed a calmer temperament and improved communication skills, he is better positioned to tackle the high-pressure environment of Formula One. Should he perform well, it not only enhances his status within Red Bull but also opens doors for future opportunities in the sport.
Lawson's Future Prospects and Challenges
After a disappointing experience in the high-stakes environment of Red Bull, Liam Lawson faces an uphill battle in rebuilding his racing career. His honesty about the challenges faced during his time with Red Bull demonstrates a mature understanding that can aid in his development. Transitioning to a Racing Bulls car could offer him a more forgiving environment to showcase his skills and regain confidence. By achieving respectable performances, he can mitigate the negative perceptions from his brief stint in the Red Bull seat and lay the groundwork for a potential return to a competitive team.
We discuss Red Bull’s imminent replacement of Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast.
Jon Noble joins Edd Straw to discuss the move and explain what it says about Red Bull’s driver strategy.
We discuss why Lawson couldn’t extract the pace from the Red Bull RB21 that Max Verstappen can and what it was about his progress that persuaded the team to abandon him so quickly.
And with Tsunoda now having the chance of a lifetime, we ask if he’s got what it takes to make a success of his opportunity.
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