The duel intensifies at Red Bull: "With Lawson, it's always the same story," says Tsunoda

While Isack Hadjar already seems to be confirmed to join Red Bull alongside the four-time world champion Max Verstappen brand in 2026 Yuki tsunoda and Liam Lawson are battling to get the last seat in F1 available in the Red Bull galaxy. Initially, the parent team had preferred the New Zealander to the Japanese at the end of 2024, before reversing its decision before the Japanese Grand Prix and swapping the two seats. Now, the two would be in the final to cling to the remaining place within the Racing Bulls team alongside the driver of Formula 2, Arvid Lindlbad.

Tensions are rising in the Red Bull family

Since returning from the summer break, the Kiwi has scored 14 points, two more than his Japanese rival. This weekend, tensions reached their peak at the United States Grand Prix. The two drivers traded barbs, while their performances were closely scrutinized by the Milton Keynes management, who were slow to make a decision.

Yuki Tsunoda had already stepped up after a collision with Liam Lawson at the Italian Grand Prix, where his hopes of scoring points were dashed. “I got distracted by a guy who wasn't even fighting for points, the Red Bull driver became exasperated with Liam Lawson, whom he also accused of lacking respect. When you're under the same roof, there's a minimum of consideration to have."

The saga resumed in the Sprint Qualifying in Austin and continued in the Grand Prix Qualifying. In the chaos of the Sprint Qualifying, Liam Lawson came dangerously close to the car of Yuki Tsunoda, adding to the Japanese driver's frustration. Nothing surprising coming from him., sighed an annoyed Yuki Tsunoda. I didn't expect anything else from him.. » Note that number 22 did not reach the finish line in time to escape from SQ1.

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Yuki Tsunoda makes life difficult for Liam Lawson

During Saturday's qualifying session, Yuki Tsunoda once again attacked his rival. Lawson is deliberately embarrassing me " he fumed on the radio. After the session, the native of Sagamihara (Japan) did not hide his frustration. With Lawson, it's always the same story., castigated the driver of the Red Bull No. 22. He's always doing something on purpose, and it's his usual nonsense. I'm not interested in him. »

In this case, Max Verstappen's teammate qualified 13th^e, just behind Liam Lawson at 12^e place, missing Q3 by 0,23s. A failure that he blames on the Racing Bulls driver. I think without that I would have been in Q3, Tsunoda insists. So far, I just haven't been able to do a normal qualifying. It's really frustrating, but that's how it is. "For his part, Liam Lawson refutes his opponent's accusations. I don't understand what he's talking about. I really don't see where I could have been to be in front of him. ».

While this fratricidal duel could, in theory, push both men to give their best, it has so far had the opposite effect, disrupting their concentration. Rather than pointing the finger at his rival, Yuki Tsunoda would certainly benefit from focusing on his own performance and channeling this rivalry constructively. For his part, Lawson would also be wise to keep his nerves in check so as not to let internal competition affect his results, at a time when every race is a real test of which of the two deserves to remain in the spotlight at Milton Keynes. In the meantime, tensions are mounting, and are making it difficult for the management to make the final decision at the end of the season.

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