One of the most challenging jobs in Formula 1 is being Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull. Since Daniel Ricciardo left the Austrian team in 2018, several drivers have taken on the challenge and failed. Verstappen’s latest challenger, Liam Lawson, is set to be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after just a two-race stint.
Tsunoda will likely make his debut for Red Bull at his home in Japan and will be cheered on by the grandstands. However, with the RB21 being difficult to drive, is the 24-year-old the answer to Red Bull’s problems?
Why Yuki Tsunoda could be the answer Red Bull is looking for
So far this season, Yuki Tsunoda has performed well at the opening two races. In Australia, he qualified fifth and was running well until the Racing Bulls’ strategy team let him down. China saw the Japanese driver score three points during the sprint. In the main race, Tsuonda was racing well until the team placed him on the wrong strategy again, and his front wing exploded under load.
In contrast, Liam Lawson has had a dismal start to the campaign. He is yet to get out of Q1 and yet to score a point. He did show a glimpse of his capabilities during the sprint race in China, where he overtook a few cars, but his overall performance hasn’t been what Red Bull needs with a difficult car.
Yuki Tsunoda Expected to be Confirmed for Red Bull Seat Ahead of Home Race at Japanese Grand Prix
Lawson only competed in eleven races before the start of the season. He has yet to develop into a driver who can race for a top team and is still a rookie in the sport. This is not the first time Red Bull has placed inexperienced drivers in the second seat, and on all occasions, the driver has been replaced.
Yuki Tsunoda is currently in his fifth year in the sport. He has a wealth of experience, which could be vital in taming the RB21. This year’s challenger is difficult to drive, and with Lawson’s youthful hands, he couldn’t replicate the pace of his teammate. Tsunoda has the experience which could change Red Bull’s fortunes.
Apart from Yuki, Red Bull doesn’t have much choice. It’s clear Lawson isn’t ready for the step up to Red Bull. Isack Hadjar has even fewer races under his belt. So, Yuki Tsunoda is the only option to turn Red Bull’s season around.
Why is the RB21 so difficult to drive?
Red Bull has made a car that suits four-time world champion Max Verstappen. They have made progress on the predictability of the RB20. However, the Dutchman has lamented the car, saying: “We’re just too slow.”
Liam Lawson has also criticised the car, saying: “It’s just a very small window. It’s hard, you know – it’s hard to drive, to get it in that window. I’d like to say that with time that’ll come – I just don’t have time to do that, it’s something I need to get on top of.”
Liam Lawson Future in Doubt as Red Bull Plans Emergency Meeting
The RB21 loses on average around three-tenths per lap to McLaren. The car is just slow, and Red Bull needs to understand why. An emergency meeting is reportedly taking place as the team looks to find a solution. A driver swap may not yield the results, while there are fundamental issues with the 2025 challenger. But can Red Bull get on top of it before it is too late?
