Liam Lawson has proclaimed that Yuki Tsunoda can comment “whatever he wants” amid his ex-team-mate’s public interest in taking his seat at Red Bull in Formula 1.
The speculation regarding whether Lawson will remain at Red Bull has heightened as he endured a second disastrous weekend in succession with the team in China.
Lawson qualified as the slowest driver twice in Shanghai, the second occasion triggering Red Bull to remove his car from parc ferme in order to make set-up changes.
However, the Kiwi struggled to make progress and trailed home in a distant 12th place, despite both Ferrari cars and Pierre Gasly’s Alpine being disqualified post-race.
But while Red Bull boss Christian Horner insisted the “radical” tweaks provided valuable data, Lawson conceded the direction taken didn’t produce the desired impact.
“We knew it was going to be tough and we started from the pitlane to try something with the car, and it unfortunately just didn’t work the way we wanted,” he said.
“What was really just a hard weekend was just a bit harder today.”
Lawson acknowledges Red Bull pressure
Lawson’s scoreless return in the opening two events has Red Bull residing 42 points behind McLaren, even with Max Verstappen second in the Drivers’ Championship.
With rumours circulating that Red Bull will review his position before the next race in Japan, Lawson has acknowledged the team need both drivers to be contributing.
“Unfortunately, I don’t really have time to get used to it, but I need to figure it out quickly,” he continued.
“I don’t have time to test the car and get used to it, but we’re in the season already, so each race we’re losing points. That’s more or less what I mean when I don’t have time.
“But I’m also not stupid and I know that, obviously, I’m here to perform – and if I’m not doing that, I’m not going to be around.
“I’m just focused on getting used to the car as quickly as I can.”
Lawson responds to Tsunoda claim
In the circumstance where Lawson’s stint with the senior team is cut short, Tsunoda has been touted as the driver who would be given the call to partner Verstappen.
Tsunoda, who has thrived with Racing Bulls since being overlooked to replace Sergio Perez, has voiced that he would be willing to make the step up at his home race.
But when asked about his previous team-mate’s assertion, Lawson did not mince his words as he alluded to the record that he possesses against the Japanese racer.
“I’ve raced him for years, raced him in junior categories and beat him – and I did in F1 as well, so he can say whatever he wants,” he retorted.
READ MORE – Red Bull praises Yuki Tsunoda as rumours swirl over potential Liam Lawson swap
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