Red Bull strategy
Red Bull has done it again - a driver change within its own ranks after just two races is providing fresh talking points in Formula 1. Yuki Tsunoda has been promoted to the main team, while Liam Lawson has been given a new chance with Racing Bulls. Red Bull is continuing its familiar strategy: performance counts more than long-term planning. But is this change really the right move for both drivers - and for the team itself?
Why the change of drivers?
After the first two races of the 2025 season - the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix - it is clear that the decision to put Lawson alongside Verstappen is being called into question. Lawson was far behind Verstappen in the drivers' standings and has not scored any significant points in the first two races.
Qualifying positions was another problem: After three races (Australia, Sprint China and China), Lawson's average starting position of 19.67 is significantly worse than many of his competitors. Despite his talent and strong performances in the past, he was unable to deliver the results he had hoped for. Yuki Tsunoda, on the other hand, put in a consistently strong performance for the Racing Bulls and proved that he can cope well with the current package.
Lawson vs. Tsunoda
| Statistik | Liam Lawson | Yuki Tsunoda |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 6 | 10 |
| Wins | 0 | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 | 0 |
| Pole Positions | 0 | 0 |
| Average Points | 0,46 | 1.04 |
| Highest race finish | P9 | P4 |
| Highest grid position | P5 | P3 |
| Grand Prix | 13 | 89 |
| Last 8 races | Liam Lawson | Yuki Tsunoda |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Grand Prix (2025) | P12 (RedBull) | P16 |
| Australian Grand Prix (2025) | DNF (RedBull) | P12 |
| Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | P17 (VCARB) | P12 |
| Qatar Grand Prix | P14 (VCARB) | P13 |
| Las Vegas Grand Prix | P16 (VCARB) | P9 |
| Brasil Grand Prix | P9 (VCARB) | P7 |
| Mexican Grand Prix | P16 (VCARB) | DNF |
| United States Grand Prix | P9 (VCARB) | P14 |
What chances does Tsunoda have alongside Verstappen and what does that mean for Lawson?
The challenge for Tsunoda could not be greater. Verstappen is the team's undisputed driving force and has played a key role in developing the car. Tsunoda must now adapt quickly and show that he is more than just a solid driver. The internal dynamics will be crucial - Red Bull is known for not being patient with drivers who don't deliver immediately.
Also important: Tsunoda has no contract after this season. If he performs well, he might earn a seat at Red Bull Racing. If he doesn’t, it remains uncertain whether other teams will be interested in signing him. This season is truly make or break for the Japanese driver.
For Liam Lawson, the move to Racing Bulls is a second chance. Many talented drivers, including Pierre Gasly and Alexander Albon, have had to take a step back to prove themselves again after moving to the main team. Lawson now has the opportunity to develop in a slightly less pressurized environment and possibly get another chance at Red Bull in the future.
The right decision or not?
Liam Lawson has potential but faces the challenge of getting used to the special requirements of Red Bull. Over the years, the team has strongly adapted the car and strategies to Max Verstappen's driving style, which doesn't make it easy for a new driver like Lawson to perform at his best straight away. Verstappen has always been a very strong and talented driver, and with the right car he has won the world championship four times in a row. It is therefore difficult to put Lawson in a direct comparison right from the start.
On the other hand, Yuki Tsunoda has earned his place at Red Bull over the years. Despite initial criticism, Tsunoda has always improved his performance and shown consistently good results, both in the difficult phases of his career and in the development of the Racing Bulls team. It would therefore not only be justified to put him in the Red Bull team, but also fully deserved. He has earned his place not just based on short-term results, but through consistent, long-term work and performance in the team.
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