Lawson replaced by Tsunoda at Red Bull: what you need to know

The rumor that agitated the world of Formula 1 since the Chinese Grand Prix was confirmed this Thursday, March 27 in the morning: Yuki tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson at Red Bull from the Japanese Grand Prix. Lawson, who struggled in the first two races of the season, returns to Racing Bulls, while Tsunoda finally has the opportunity to move to a top team after four full years at the Faenza.

All our articles on the subject of Lawson/Tsunoda:

• Official: Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix
• Liam Lawson dismissed, or Red Bull's admission of impotence
• New Zealand media unleashes on Red Bull
• Christian Horner: "We have a duty to protect Liam"
• Tsunoda at Red Bull: The opportunity of a lifetime or a poisoned chalice?
• Bourdais, Kvyat, De Vries… The victims of the Red Bull method in F1
• Tsunoda at Red Bull: Laurent Mekies “extremely proud”
  

Liam Lawson dismissed, or Red Bull's admission of impotence

Lawson's replacement appears to be an admission of impotence on the part of Red Bull. The New Zealander, preferred to Tsunoda to support Max Verstappen, failed to live up to expectations and was quickly overwhelmed by the pressure and disappointing performances. Team principal Christian Horner spoke of the need to preserve his young driver, but this decision mainly reflects Red Bull's difficulties in managing its second drivers. For several years, the team has struggled to find a teammate capable of competing with Verstappen, whose car seems particularly suited to his driving style to the detriment of his successive teammates.

For Yuki Tsunoda, this promotion is an unexpected opportunity but also a significant challenge. After four seasons at Racing Bulls, he will have to prove he can hold his own against a formidable teammate. If his performances at the start of the 2025 season are solid, his move to Red Bull could be a poisoned chalice. Many have failed in this position before him, and the pressure will be even greater as he will be making his first Grand Prix for Red Bull on home soil in Japan.

Tsunoda: The Opportunity of a Lifetime or a Poisoned Chalice?

Helmut Marko, advisor to the Austrian team, however believes that Tsunoda is in " the shape of his life "More mature, calmer, and consistently efficient, the Japanese driver has won over those around him. However, he will have to quickly adapt to a car designed for Verstappen, a challenge that cost his predecessors dearly. If he succeeds in this challenge, he could change his destiny in F1. If not, he risks suffering the same fate.

This decision once again highlights the difficulty Red Bull has in managing its drivers and offering a competitive car for both team members. Will Tsunoda seize his opportunity or will he become another victim of the Red Bull system? Time will tell.