Team boss Christian Horner has addressed the decision behind Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull snub despite his greater experience over Liam Lawson who was promoted to drive alongside Verstappen for the 2025 F1 season.
This move comes on the heels of Lawson’s official promotion from Racing Bulls to replace Sergio Perez who was fired following significant performance struggles during the 2024 season.
However, the dynamics of driver selection have come under scrutiny particularly regarding Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull snub despite his experience and past performances as the Milton Keynes-based outfit gears up for a new chapter.
Tsunoda, who has been a part of the Red Bull family since 2021 has had a tumultuous journey in Formula 1. After making his debut with VCARB which was previously known as AlphaTauri, he faced significant challenges transitioning from Formula 2 to the top tier of motorsport.
Over the years, the Japanese driver has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency and temperament. His emotional responses on team radio have been well-documented, often reflecting a hot-headed nature that some believe hinders his ability to thrive under pressure.
Despite these challenges, Tsunoda’s performance metrics have generally been competitive; he outperformed teammates like Daniel Ricciardo and even managed to maintain an edge over Lawson during their head-to-head encounters in 2024.
On the other hand, Lawson’s rapid ascent within the Red Bull ranks has been noteworthy. Initially serving as a reserve driver, he was thrust into action as a stand-in for Ricciardo after the Australian’s injury.
In his limited time on track, Lawson showcased impressive race pace and adaptability, which caught the attention of Red Bull management. He was later handed a six-race audition as a full-time replacement for Ricciardo when the Australian was dropped after the Singapore Grand Prix.
Red Bull Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner noted that while Tsunoda has more experience—having completed nearly four full seasons—Lawson’s potential for growth and improvement was a significant factor in their decision-making process.
The analytics from their respective performances indicated that Lawson’s race pace was slightly superior during critical moments, leading to Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull snub as the team preferred the former to be Verstappen’s teammate for 2025 F1.
“Well, Yuki has done four years with our sister team, and he’s a driver that’s growing in experienced and doing a good job,” he said. “I think that what we felt in Liam in what he’s achieved in such a short space of time, the trajectory that he’s on looks really promising.
“That doesn’t rule Yuki out for the future. It’s just that at this juncture in time, we believe that Liam has got the right characteristics, the right strength of character to deal with the pressure that comes with being Max Verstappen’s teammate.”
The decision to choose Lawson over Tsunoda has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Many fans of Tsunoda expressed disappointment, believing that his dedication and time spent within the Red Bull system warranted a promotion.
After Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull snub, social media platforms were abuzz with calls for recognition of the 24-year old’s efforts and achievements throughout his tenure with Racing Bulls.
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However, Horner emphasized that while Tsunoda is indeed a fast driver with commendable skills, there are other factors at play when selecting a driver for such a high-pressure environment as Red Bull Racing.
One of the most significant aspects influencing this decision is Tsunoda’s temperament. Despite improvements in his emotional control over recent seasons, there remains a perception among team officials that he may not possess the mental fortitude required to partner with Max Verstappen—a driver known for his intense competitive nature and high expectations.
Horner acknowledged that while Tsunoda has made strides in managing his frustrations, there is still concern regarding how he would handle the pressures of being Verstappen’s teammate.
Looking ahead, Tsunoda finds himself at a crossroads in his career. With Lawson now confirmed as Verstappen’s partner for 2025 F1, Tsunoda will continue with Racing Bulls but faces uncertainty about his long-term future within the Red Bull organization.
The team has retained him for another season; however, this arrangement only extends through 2025 F1 season, leaving him as a free agent for 2026 when significant regulatory changes are expected.
