Red Bull has lost the edge it once had in Formula 1. The crown of domination now belongs to McLaren. There are several reported errors in the cars by the drivers including poor balance, and lots of unpredictability. To add to their problems, Liam Lawson has not scored a single point so far. But Red Bull could make a decision regarding their driver lineup before the next race in Suzuka.
Max Verstappen, being the masterclass driver he is, has been able to adapt to the difficult car. He has been giving stellar performances including a P4 at Shanghai that came at the final laps. Liam Lawson, on the other hand, has been struggling to keep the car in check.
The Kiwi could only manage a P15, after starting P20 at the Chinese Grand Prix. This has brought his future at Red Bull into question. According to recent reports, the Austrian team seems to be moving forward.
Red Bull confirms emergency meeting after Shanghai
Liam Lawson’s disappointing performances have brought about talks and rumours of the driver’s seat being in danger. Yuki Tsunoda, in the VCARB, has been outperforming Lawson, in the Red Bull, in all formats, be it qualifying or the main race.
Lawson has been enduring a tough start to the 2025 season. He crashed out in the first race and only managed 15th place in the second. The Red Bull driver spoke to the media on Saturday and admitted his difficulties with the grip of the car.
Liam Lawson’s Seat at Red Bull Hangs by a Thread After 2025 Struggles
“It’s just really tough, honestly,” he said after the qualifying session for the Chinese Grand Prix. “I think the window’s really small – I mean, that’s known – but honestly, it’s not an excuse.”
After the race in Shanghai, Helmut Marko confirmed an emergency meeting for the Red Bull team.
“This week there is a meeting in Milton Keynes to discuss when and how we can close the gap,” Marko told Sky DE.
“Until then, it’s about scoring as many points as possible.
“We are worried, but it is not like we are throwing in the towel.”
Red Bulls’ emergency meeting can be about the car or a possible driver change. While it is still too early into the season for a driver swap, a big opportunity has arisen for the next week, that is, the Japanese Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson may be swapped with Yuki Tsunoda for the Japanese GP
After Shanghai, the team may swap Lawson and Tsunoda for the Japanese Grand Prix, according to Motorsport.com. This comes after Lawson’s disappointing performances and Yuki’s impressive ones in the junior team.
There are several factors to consider here. Firstly, Yuki Tsunoda is the only driver in contention for the seat, realistically. He has four years of experience under his belt, has been with the junior team, and is performing consistently.
🇯🇵| Yuki Tsunoda could be getting into the RB21 from Japan according to @Motorsport !
In an interview, Helmut Marko didn’t specify whether Lawson would be given more time to improve. However, his lack of clarity on how to improve has prompted Red Bull to consider a change… pic.twitter.com/FJgsAQVqPa
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) March 23, 2025
Another factor is that Red Bull can swap the drivers to please the home crowd of their engine manufacturer, Honda. Yuki Tsunoda and Honda have a special connection, and there is a possibility of Red Bull honouring that connection.
None of this spells good news for Liam Lawson, who would’ve hoped to hop back into the top 10 in China. But starting from the pit lane, and not having enough pace didn’t play into hand.
There are no official confirmations from Red Bull, so the story can differ at any time. However, Red Bull won’t be happy with how Liam Lawson is performing. Either the Kiwi has to step up and score the points, or he might face what Albon, Gasly, and Perez have faced in the past.
