Tsunoda replaces Lawson: A decision that Verstappen doesn't really like?

Two Grand Prix were enough to Red Bull to make the first strong choice in this 2025 season. As expected, Liam Lawson was removed from the mother team where he will be replaced from Japan (April 4-6) by Yuki tsunoda from Racing Bulls, the New Zealander making the opposite journey.

A decision that comes after the difficult results of Liam Lawson, who struggled with the RB21 in Australia and more recently in China. Two weekends during which the Kiwi was never able to hope for anything despite all his efforts. Internally, the Austrian team justifies itself by arguing that it wants to protect him at all costs for the rest of his career while emphasizing the need to have an experienced driver alongside Max Verstappen to try to move forward after having been struggling for a few months.

« It was difficult to watch Liam struggle with the RB21 in the first two races and as a result we collectively made the decision to make a quick change, Christian Horner stressed during the announcement. We approached the 2025 season with two ambitions: to retain the Drivers' World Championship and to regain the Constructors' World Title, and this is a purely sporting decision.

We recognize that there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki's experience will prove very beneficial in helping to develop the current car. We welcome him to the team and look forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21. We have a duty to protect and develop Liam and, together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so that Liam can gain experience as he continues his career in F1 with Racing Bulls, an environment and a team that he knows very well »

Verstappen clan deplores hasty decision

On the other side of the garage, the news would not have been very well received. At least, that's what the often very well-informed person reports. The Telegraph when it comes to Max Verstappen and his entourage.

In its columns, the Dutch daily highlights a gap in the perception of the situation between the Verstappen clan and Red Bull. Indeed, the four-time world champion does not seem to approve of how the situation was handled by the Milton Keynes management.

While he has nothing against the arrival of Yuki Tsunoda – with whom he has a good relationship off the track – Max Verstappen believes that Red Bull has not adopted the right attitude towards Liam Lawson. One can only guess what Verstappen himself thinks of Red Bull management's decision to victimize Liam Lawson after just two races in favor of Yuki Tsunoda., publishes De Telegraaf. The Limburger [referring to the region he comes from] also disagrees with the team management's decision to intervene so early »

Barely two Grand Prix and already a new duo on the grid. © Xavi Bonilla / DPPI

The reigning champion even indirectly lent his support to his now former teammate by liking the post by his compatriot Giedo van der Garde in which he criticizes the Formula 1 system and the policies of certain teams, in this case Red Bull, despite the absence of a quote. I'm a bit tired of all the comments that F1 is the toughest sport in terms of performance and that you have to take the consequences when you don't perform up to par., begins the former Caterham player.

Yes, you have to perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. But in my opinion, it smacks more of bullying or panic than true top-level athleticism. They made a decision—with full knowledge of the facts—and gave Liam two races, only to destroy his mindset. Don't forget the dedication, hard work, and success Liam has accumulated over his career so far to reach the level he is at today. I remember the blood, sweat, and tears I put in to reach F1. Not to mention driving for a top team. Yes, he underperformed in the first two races, but if anyone knows that, it's him. Maybe he suggested it himself, but if not, I wish Liam all the strength and courage he needs to get to the grid in Japan. Have faith in yourself, hold your head up, prove them wrong. » A “like” that can say a lot about what Max Verstappen thinks of this choice after only two Grands Prix.

 

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A post shared by Giedo van der Garde (@gvandergarde)

This is unlikely to improve the situation between the two parties, given that 2024 was marked by Jos Verstappen's stance against Christian Horner when the latter was the subject of a complaint from his personal assistant for inappropriate behavior at the start of the season. Should we prepare for new tensions at Red Bull?

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