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Lawson Struggles to Find Form
Liam Lawson’s tenure with Red Bull Racing has hit a rocky start, leaving both the driver and his team under scrutiny. At just 23 years old, Lawson has yet to secure a single point from three races, despite piloting one of the top-performing cars on the grid. This lack of results has raised questions about his future with the team.
Verstappen Voices His Frustration
Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s reigning Formula One world champion, has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision to part ways with Lawson. Verstappen highlighted the challenges Lawson has faced since joining the team, suggesting that the young driver has not met the expected performance levels.
Tsunoda Poised to Take Lawson’s Place
Reports indicate that Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver, will replace Lawson in the Red Bull lineup. Sources from Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reveal that Tsunoda’s promotion comes after Lawson’s recent move from the Racing Bulls team. This change is anticipated to be officially confirmed before the upcoming Japan Grand Prix next week, as per The Telegraph.
Finalizing the Switch
The transition from Lawson to Tsunoda is nearing completion, with only minor details remaining to be settled. Red Bull aims to make the announcement imminently, signaling a swift turnaround in their driver strategy early in the season.

Verstappen’s Support Amidst Changes
Despite the setbacks, Verstappen has previously commended Lawson’s potential and dedication. He acknowledged the difficulties Lawson has faced, noting the differences between the Racing Bulls car and the main Red Bull machine. Verstappen remarked, “That Racing Bulls car is easier to drive than ours. I notice that when I talk to Liam.” He also mentioned that the performance gap between Lawson and Tsunoda was not significant last year, questioning the rationale behind Lawson’s placement in the main team.
Tsunoda’s Challenging Path Ahead
Yuki Tsunoda steps into a role filled by previous drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and now Lawson. Each of these drivers has faced their own set of challenges while partnering with Verstappen, making Tsunoda’s task particularly demanding. The Japanese driver will need to quickly adapt and prove his capabilities to solidify his place alongside one of the sport’s top talents.
A Pattern of Early Changes at Red Bull
Red Bull Racing has a history of making swift changes to their driver lineup in pursuit of optimal performance. Since elevating to the top-tier team in Formula One in 2016, the Dutch squad has seen six different drivers partner with Verstappen. This pattern underscores the team’s commitment to finding the right combination to compete at the highest level, even if it means making tough decisions early in the season.
Looking Ahead to the Japan Grand Prix
The forthcoming Japan Grand Prix will mark the official entry of Yuki Tsunoda into the Red Bull lineup. All eyes will be on how the new pairing performs, with expectations high for both Verstappen and Tsunoda to deliver strong results. The racing community will be keen to see if this change will bring the desired impact for Red Bull as the season progresses.

Impact on Team Dynamics
The switch from Lawson to Tsunoda is not just a change of drivers but also a shift in team dynamics. Red Bull will need to ensure that the new partnership builds on mutual understanding and strategic alignment to maximize their performance in upcoming races. The relationship between Verstappen and his teammates plays a crucial role in the overall success of the team, making this transition a pivotal moment for Red Bull Racing.
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