A driver replaced after two GPs, a first in more than 30 years

Liam Lawson's adventure at Red Bull was short-lived. Promoted from sister team Racing Bulls in the off-season, the Kiwi had hoped to be able to play at a level close to that of Max Verstappen for the Austrian team to get back on track.

It was a failure, as the Milton Keynes management decided to demote him after just two Grands Prix. A decision that may seem harsh, given that the New Zealander hadn't even had time to show his true worth over time and had just competed in two races on circuits he didn't know, with all the pressure that came with it.

But at Red Bull, they don't take feelings into account too much when it comes to the team's sporting situation. Thus, Liam Lawson was forced to give up his position with immediate effect. Yuki tsunoda who will wear the colors of the Red Bull for the first time in racing at home in Japan in just a few days (April 1-3).

1993, the last precedent

To find a similar situation, we have to go back 1993 years to the 32 season. At that time, it was Ivan Capelli, then a driver for the late Eddie Jordan team, who experienced the same misfortune as Liam Lawson.

Freshly arrived from Ferrari As an experienced driver to support the young Rubens Barrichello, the Italian never managed to get into the swing of things, unfortunately against his will. The problems started at the first Grand Prix in South Africa with recurring technical issues, already encountered during pre-season testing, on the Jordan which was starting a third season with a third different engine manufacturer (Ford, Yamaha and now Hart) thus weakening the reliability of the 193 of the Transalpine.

Only 18th and four places behind his Brazilian teammate on the grid, Ivan Capelli lasted only two laps in the race after spinning, damaging the rear right part of his car.

While a rebound was expected in Brazil two weeks later, the Milanese driver failed to even qualify for the Grand Prix. With March's departure at the end of 1992 and only 13 teams left on the grid, the latter reached an agreement for 25 cars to qualify, while the FIA ​​had initially set the limit at 24. Only one would therefore be eliminated from each round.

Tough luck for Ivan Capelli, as it will fall to him at Interlagos. Still affected by a technical problem on his Jordan from the practice sessions, he could not do better than 26th, and therefore last, three tenths behind 25th, Michele Alboreto. This marked the end of his adventure with Jordan, who decided to replace him with Thierry Boutsen from the European Grand Prix at Donington, but also in F1 after 93 departures.

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