Red Bull are understood to be considering an immediate swap of Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson. After another poor showing in China, Lawson’s position at Red Bull is hanging by a thread – and Tsunoda is ready to capitalise.
After the Australian GP, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko downplayed Lawson’s struggles.
They argued that limited track time and mixed conditions were the biggest influences on the Kiwi’s results.
However, Lawson is very clearly struggling, crossing the Chinese GP in P15. Even after two rounds, the situation is becoming unsustainable for Red Bull, who could turn to Tsunoda for a promotion.
Tsunoda is desperately needed at Red Bull
After the Chinese GP, it seems safe to say that Red Bull have the fourth-fastest car.
McLaren have established themselves as the fastest team, whilst Ferrari and Mercedes (especially in George Russell’s hands) have been regular challengers.
Meanwhile, after the first race weekends of 2025, Max Verstappen is somehow 2nd in the drivers standings.
However, this is more a reflection of his own ability than the RB21’s performance.
Red Bull need two competitive drivers if they have any chance to fight in the constructors.
As it stands, Verstappen has carried them into 3rd place – just one point ahead of Ferrari.
In many ways, the Dutchman’s brilliance should make life easier for Red Bull’s second driver.
The Austrian outfit don’t need a second driver to finish on the podium or win races – just someone who can score regular points.
Liam Lawson is showing no signs of doing this, finishing over 20 second behind Bearman in 10th at Shanghai.
Meanwhile, when he isn’t being compromised by poor strategy, Yuki Tsunoda is regularly in the top 10.
There is no denying the VCARB 02 is a more stable car than Red Bull’s RB21.
However, Christian Horner’s personnel are not willing to spend the next twelve months watching a Red Bull finish behind both VCARBs.
A swap for the next race likely
Prior to being awarded the Red Bull seat, Lawson showed immense confidence when speaking to the media.
The 23-year-old stressed that there are no excuses for failing to perform at the main team.
He made these comments with a clear belief in securing better results than his predecessor – Sergio Perez.
Although being confident is a requirement for any F1 driver worth their salt, Lawson’s comments have not aged well.
Yuki Tsunoda was the faster driver when they were teammates at VCARB. It was the Kiwi’s potential (alongside Christian Horner’s reservations about Tsunoda) that gave Lawson the seat.
However, it is increasingly clear that Lawson is out of his depth.
Not only is Tsunoda the faster driver, but his experience gives him a better chance of adapting to the RB21.
According to the latest reports, Yuki Tsunoda could be in the Red Bull by the next race in Japan.
Helmut Marko, even in previous seasons, has been more complimentary of Tsunoda than Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
The 81-year-old appears to be pushing for the Japanese driver to be promoted. At this stage, Horner is likely to agree that a swap is necessary.
They could postpone their decision and wait a few more rounds – but it is unlikely Lawson’s results will get any better.
Red Bull cannot afford to have one of their drivers go pointless for another 5 rounds.
A change is needed if they want two competitive drivers, and that change could be imminent.
