With Liam Lawson’s future at Red Bull already up in the air, our writers debate the New Zealander’s Formula 1 future.
Just two rounds into the 2024 F1 season, speculation is rife that Red Bull is considering swapping out Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda in time for the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend. Lawson has had a difficult start to life with the RB21, unable to escape Q1 or score points in Australia or China.
He becomes the latest in the long line of talented drivers to suffer at the hands of Red Bull’s narrow operating window, a trait that seemingly only Max Verstappen can understand. But with seemingly no answers to its second driver conundrum and there being just two races completed so far this season, is it too early for Red Bull to make a cutthroat decision?
Give Lawson time
Dan Lawrence – Deputy Editor
Amid his troubles at the Shanghai International Circuit, Lawson told the media he needed “time” to get to grips with the Red Bull, before adding “unfortunately, I don’t really have it.” The need for Red Bull to improve results on one side of the garage is of course hugely important when it comes to the Constructors’ standings and the team learnt last year that hanging on to an underperforming driver can prove costly. However, Red Bull was willing to give Sergio Perez multiple chances to turn things around and to cut Lawson’s tenure after just two rounds is too cutthroat at this early stage. With just 11 GP starts coming into the campaign, Lawson was always going to need time to adjust and dropping him in favour of Tsunoda presents more issues down the line. It could curtail Tsunoda’s progression should he also struggle, with the Japanese driver putting incredible performances so far for Racing Bulls and Red Bull’s options in that instance appear limited.
Jack Oliver Smith – F1 Reporter
Lawson is only two races into his Red Bull journey, and given the RB21 is, by all accounts, its worst F1 car in years, the Kiwi should be given a little more time to see if he can at least close the deficit to Verstappen. A decision to replace Lawson might be more understandable if he was this far off the pace in a race-winning car, but it is not and Verstappen sets a stupidly high bar.
It’s time to swap
Harry Whitfield – F1 Reporter
I wouldn’t want to be Christian Horner right now. The position Red Bull has put itself in is disastrous. Going with Lawson was always going to be a gamble. The Kiwi is fast and has shown on numerous occasions what he is capable of in the sister Red Bull team. But he has far less experience than the other options. Yes, Tsunoda didn’t exactly dazzle with his performances in the VCARB. However, his opening races in 2025, despite poor strategy calls from Racing Bulls, showcase the pace he possesses – which I feel far exceeds what Lawson is capable of at this stage. Admittedly the RB21 is slower than its predecessor, but lingering down in last place, that feels inexcusable. It is just two rounds, but we know how ruthless Red Bull can be and it makes sense to just admit you made the wrong decision as early as possible. At Tsunoda’s home Grand Prix, it could be a real chance for the Japanese racing driver to prove he is capable of performing at a top team. A simple swap seems the right choice, whether it is for Japan or another race. You can’t keep going, as they did with Perez last season, with the same driver who costs you vital points towards the Constructors’ Championship. But in promoting Tsunoda, Red Bull may finally prove once and for all that no one can match Max Verstappen in that car.
READ MORE – How Liam Lawson’s difficult start to 2025 poses big Red Bull questions
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