Max Verstappen Questions Red Bull’s Decision to Replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda
Red Bull Racing finds itself at the center of controversy yet again as reigning three-time world champion Max Verstappen has publicly expressed his disagreement with the team’s decision to drop Liam Lawson in favor of Yuki Tsunoda after just two races in the 2025 Formula 1 season. The move, which has already ignited debate among fans and analysts, adds another chapter to Red Bull’s ongoing struggle to find a stable second driver alongside Verstappen.
A Sudden and Controversial Change
The Red Bull driver lineup has been a revolving door in recent years, with the team consistently searching for a worthy partner to complement Verstappen’s dominance. Lawson, who was promoted to the main Red Bull team from Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) ahead of the 2025 season, was seen as an exciting young talent. However, after a disappointing start to the season with zero points in Australia and China—including a costly crash in Melbourne—Red Bull opted to replace him with Yuki Tsunoda, another familiar face from their driver development program.
For Verstappen, the decision to oust Lawson so early in the season appears premature and unfair. According to sources close to the Dutchman, he had lobbied for Lawson to be given more time to adapt to the RB21, a notoriously challenging car to handle. Red Bull, however, seemed determined to make a swift decision, prioritizing immediate results over long-term development.
Verstappen’s Reaction: A Champion Speaks Out
Verstappen, known for his candid nature, did not shy away from voicing his concerns. In a post-race interview following the Chinese Grand Prix, he stated:
“I think it’s a real shame. Liam is a talented driver, and it’s incredibly difficult to step into this team and immediately deliver. It takes time. I don’t think two races were enough to make a judgment.”
The Dutch driver’s words reflect his growing frustration with the way Red Bull manages its second seat. Since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure in 2018, Red Bull has struggled to find a consistent teammate for Verstappen, with Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Pérez all failing to match his performance. Lawson’s dismissal only adds to this pattern of instability.
The Pressure Cooker of Red Bull Racing
Red Bull’s driver management strategy has long been a topic of debate. While their junior program has unearthed some of the brightest talents in motorsport, it has also been criticized for its ruthless approach. The team’s philosophy—expecting immediate results from young drivers or replacing them swiftly—creates an environment of immense pressure.
For Lawson, the transition to Red Bull was always going to be difficult. The car is built around Verstappen’s driving style, and newcomers often struggle to adapt. Many believe Lawson deserved more time, as adapting to a new car and team dynamics requires patience and development.
The swift replacement also raises questions about Red Bull’s long-term planning. If Lawson was not deemed ready for the top team, why promote him in the first place? The decision suggests a level of indecisiveness within Red Bull’s management, further evidenced by the constant driver changes over the past few years.
Tsunoda’s Return: A Safe Choice or a Risky Move?
Yuki Tsunoda’s return to Red Bull is a surprising yet understandable move. The Japanese driver has shown flashes of brilliance during his tenure at Racing Bulls but has struggled with consistency. His aggressive driving style and ability to extract performance from a midfield car earned him a loyal following, but whether he can handle the pressure of the main Red Bull team remains to be seen.
Tsunoda’s home race in Japan is the next stop on the F1 calendar, and Red Bull’s decision to bring him in just before Suzuka might have commercial incentives as well. Honda, Red Bull’s engine supplier, has long backed Tsunoda, and his presence in the senior team for the Japanese Grand Prix could boost fan engagement and sponsorship opportunities.
Red Bull’s Track Record: A Pattern of Short-Term Decisions?
This latest driver change is part of a broader pattern within Red Bull Racing. Since Verstappen joined the team in 2016, his teammates have struggled to maintain their seats for extended periods. Here’s a look at Verstappen’s revolving door of teammates:
- Daniel Ricciardo (2016-2018): Left Red Bull after feeling he was playing second fiddle to Verstappen.
- Pierre Gasly (2019): Demoted mid-season due to inconsistent performances.
- Alex Albon (2019-2020): Replaced at the end of 2020 after failing to match Verstappen’s pace.
- Sergio Pérez (2021-2024): Provided stability but ultimately lost his seat due to declining form.
- Liam Lawson (2025): Dropped after just two races.
The rapid turnover highlights Red Bull’s difficulty in finding a long-term number two driver. While Verstappen’s talent is undeniable, the constant changes suggest an issue within the team’s approach to driver development and support.
The Fan and Expert Reactions
The news of Lawson’s dismissal has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans agree with Red Bull’s decision, arguing that Formula 1 is a results-driven sport where performance is the ultimate measure of success. Others believe Lawson was not given a fair chance and that Red Bull’s cutthroat approach is detrimental to young drivers’ growth.
Prominent F1 analysts have also weighed in on the controversy. Former world champion Damon Hill commented on the situation:
“This is what makes Red Bull unique—they demand excellence. But sometimes, you have to give a young driver a chance to find their footing. Dropping Lawson this early could be a mistake.”
Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle also expressed skepticism about the decision, stating that Red Bull’s history of chopping and changing drivers could ultimately harm their long-term stability.
What’s Next for Liam Lawson?
Lawson’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. Red Bull has suggested that he will return to a reserve driver role, but whether he will get another shot at a full-time seat is unclear. If Tsunoda struggles in the coming races, there’s always a possibility that Red Bull might reconsider their decision. Alternatively, Lawson could explore opportunities outside of Red Bull’s ecosystem, with other teams potentially interested in his services.
Final Thoughts: Verstappen’s Growing Influence?
Max Verstappen’s vocal stance on this issue indicates his growing influence within the Red Bull organization. As a three-time world champion and the clear leader of the team, Verstappen’s opinions carry significant weight. His public questioning of Red Bull’s decision suggests that he is becoming more involved in the team’s internal dynamics, potentially pushing for a more stable driver lineup in the future.
Whether Red Bull will take his concerns into account remains to be seen. For now, Tsunoda has the opportunity to prove himself, but the pressure is immense. Red Bull’s relentless pursuit of success has led them to make bold, sometimes ruthless decisions—only time will tell if this latest one will pay off.
As the Formula 1 circus heads to Suzuka, all eyes will be on Tsunoda’s performance and whether Red Bull’s decision was justified. Meanwhile, Verstappen will continue his dominant campaign, but his frustration with the team’s handling of his teammates lingers—a subplot that could shape the team’s future beyond the 2025 season.