There are suggestions for possible reasons behind Red Bull’s plans to quickly swap Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda.
Lawson appears to be set to be relegated from the F1 Japan Grand Prix to the Racing Bulls (Red Bull’s sister team). This means that as part of the in-person seat swap, Tsunoda will become Max Burstappen’s next teammate.
Red Bull reportedly decided to axe Lawson after just two races, following the nightmare start of his team career. The official announcement is expected to arrive at some point this week.
According to Craig Slater, a “brutal” decision was made to separate Lawson from the shooting line.
“It’s a brutal decision. It’s difficult for Lawson to reconcile in his own mind,” Skyter told Sky Sports News.
“There are many different ways to see this. On the other hand, is it overly ruthless? Did they have to give him more time?
“On the other hand, this is something I understand that it may have affected the decision-making process. Is it probably part of their duty of attention to Lawson to bring him out of this situation before it gets worse?
“Yes, it was just two races, but he’s back qualifying in three qualifying sessions, 20th and 18th. He avoided being rapped at the end of China’s Grand Prix.
“And this is on the Red Bull senior team, in the car where Max Verstappen sits second in the World Championship.
“What I understand is that Lawson hasn’t gelled in the car at all, that’s the characteristic of not sitting with him, and that’s why he’s seriously lost confidence in these two races.
“So it’s the best he’ll go and regroup with the Racing Bulls and maybe he’ll come back again.”
Tsunoda faces “hard” work
Tsunoda plans to replace the seat with Lawson.
Tsunoda is scheduled to make his debut at Red Bull in his home race at Suzuka next weekend. He feels that “100%” originally overlooked by the senior team is ready for the opportunity.
However, Slater warned that it would be “tough” for Zonodah to deal with Red Bull cars tailored to Burstappen’s very specific driving style.
“He doesn’t have a preseason with that car, but he’s been in the home race and he’s consistently saying he wants this opportunity.
“From a Lawson vs. Tsunoda’s perspective, Tsunoda has this Honda affiliated with him. Liam Lawson was more clearly a long-term stay in the Red Bull family.
“According to Red Bull, the two were looking close after 11 races. If Lawson is close to Hornada, his trajectory will continue to rise compared to the Japanese (driver).
“Tsnoda will be Verstappen’s fifth teammate since Daniel Ricciardo left. It has been extremely difficult for everyone to coexist with him.
“One reason is basic technical. We’re in the final year of the rules system. This was the dominant car.
“It was a car developed by Max Verstappen, who was directed to development according to his particular style. He likes a very pointy turn-in. He’s ready to deal with the loose rear end of the car.
“It’s difficult for others to come in and manage. But Red Bull’s priorities are to give him a victory car, not a car that’s easy to drive a No. 2 driver.”