Red Bull threaten Lawson-Tsunoda swap for Japanese GP!
03/23/2025 08:14 AM
Oracle Red Bull Racing are considering swapping Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda for the Japanese Grand Prix after contrasting performances at the Chinese Grand Prix.
According to Motorsport.com, discussions are underway between senior figures to have Tsunoda replace Lawson at Red Bull, with the latter facing a possible demotion to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.
After qualifying in last place for both the Sprint race and the Grand Prix, Lawson failed to make amends during the races, finishing outside the points in both events.
Meanwhile, Tsunoda placed his VCARB 02 into the final part of Qualifying on both occasions, and scored three points during the Sprint race by crossing the finish line in sixth place.
With this in mind, Red Bull are considering placing Tsunoda in the seat alongside defending Champion Max Verstappen, for the former's home Grand Prix.
Pressure Mounts For Lawson
The two drivers couldn't have started their 2025 campaigns any more differently. Tsunoda has qualified in the top ten at all three Qualifying sessions so far this year, and has shown remarkable pace during the races despite failing to score at both Grands Prix due to strategic mistakes.
On the other hand, Lawson also endured a difficult race in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Once again, the New Zealander was knocked out in Q1, spun several times and eventually crashed out on lap 46.
None of Verstappen's teammates have performed quite as poorly in comparison to him; with Lawson starting his campaign in worse fashion than the recently ousted Sergio Perez.
Responding to Lawson's self-admission that he doesn't "really have time" to find substantial improvement, Red Bull Senior Advisor Helmut Marko simply told Motorsport.com: "He is right."
This is in stark contrast to Marko's assessment of Tsunoda's recent performances. He said of the Japanese driver: "Yuki is a different Yuki from the years before. He is in the form of his life.
"Obviously he changed his management. He has a different approach. He's more mature. It took a while, but now it looks like it's working."
Will Lawson be given another chance to redeem himself, or have Red Bull already run out of patience for the New Zealander?
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The post Red Bull threaten Lawson-Tsunoda swap for Japanese GP! appeared first on F1i.com.
