New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has revealed his true feelings about former teammate Yuki Tsunoda’s ongoing challenges at Red Bull Racing. Lawson was unexpectedly replaced by Tsunoda after just two races in the 2025 season, a move that surprised many fans and analysts. The sudden driver swap has intensified discussions around Tsunoda Red Bull struggles and the team’s performance.
Initially, Lawson was promoted to fill Sergio Perez’s seat, but his opportunity was cut short before he could compete at key circuits like Albert Park in Australia and the Shanghai race in China. After only two rounds, he found himself back with the Racing Bulls, watching Tsunoda struggle to deliver the results expected from a Red Bull driver with potential.
Comparing Performances: Tsunoda’s Points and Driver Turbulence
Tsunoda’s performance this season has been disappointing, with only seven points gathered over 10 races. His best finish came in the Miami sprint race, where an elevated position due to penalties helped him secure sixth place. This result falls well short of Red Bull’s expectations, particularly given their push for the constructors’ championship.
The team’s struggles with the second driver seat date back to 2019, with several drivers including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and now Lawson, all experiencing turbulent periods. Lawson scored eight points in his brief Red Bull tenure after finishing sixth in Austria, surpassing Tsunoda’s total points so far and raising questions about Tsunoda’s ongoing development within the team.
Liam Lawson’s Ambiguous Response Sparks Speculation
When asked directly about his thoughts on Tsunoda’s performance challenges, Lawson gave a deliberately vague reply, saying, “Potentially yes.” This cryptic comment has added speculation about possible tensions behind the scenes within the Red Bull camp, highlighting the pressure and complexities that come with competing at the highest level of Formula 1.
With tensions mounting and performance under scrutiny, Tsunoda Red Bull struggles remain a significant talking point as the team aims to find stability alongside their leading driver, Max Verstappen.
Upcoming Challenges and Team Dynamics Ahead of Belgian Grand Prix
As the Formula 1 calendar approaches the Belgian Grand Prix, Red Bull faces a crucial phase in its season. The team recently appointed Laurent Mekies, adding fresh leadership in their bid for the drivers’ championship. Meanwhile, the spotlight remains on Verstappen’s title fight and the search for a reliable supporting driver.
Formula 1 experts, including analysts from RacingNews365, are closely watching the evolving driver situation at Red Bull, debating how these internal challenges might impact the team’s championship hopes as the 2025 season intensifies.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Yuki Tsunoda ever win a race?
A. Yuki Tsunoda started his journey to Formula One back in 2016. He first appeared at the Suzuka event in the Japanese F4 championship. During his time in that series, he achieved victory in 10 races and made it to the podium 18 times. Additionally, he secured 12 pole positions and set the fastest lap in five races.
Q. Is Yuki Tsunoda the shortest F1 driver ever?
A. Yuki Tsunoda is the smallest F1 driver, standing at 1.59 meters (5 feet 2 inches). Since he started racing in 2021, he has been the shortest.
