In a significant development in the world of Formula 1, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has disclosed that four-time champion Max Verstappen is not pleased with the recent decision to drop rookie driver Liam Lawson. This change comes ahead of the highly anticipated Japanese Grand Prix, marking a pivotal moment in the team's strategy for the remainder of the season.
After just two race weekends during his inaugural season in Formula 1, Red Bull announced that Lawson will be returning to its sister team, Racing Bulls. In a surprising move, Yuki Tsunoda, who has been with Racing Bulls for four years, will fill Lawson's seat alongside Verstappen starting from the Japanese Grand Prix. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially considering the team's assessment of both drivers during the latter stages of the 2024 season to determine who would replace Sergio Perez for 2025.
Despite Tsunoda's extensive experience with Racing Bulls, Red Bull initially chose Lawson, crediting his ability to perform consistently under intense pressure. However, after just three races, including a sprint race in China, the team has reversed its decision. Following the announcement, Marko conveyed to De Telegraaf that Verstappen's dissatisfaction is noteworthy. He stated, "We know Max is not happy. But we need two cars at the front. Not only for the constructors' championship but also to help Max to his fifth world title." He emphasized that having a strong teammate is crucial to achieving strategic advantages during races.
Marko elaborated on the rationale behind the team's initial decision not to select Tsunoda, explaining, "Yuki was too inconsistent. That's why we unanimously decided on Lawson." However, he noted that under the mounting pressure of competition, Lawson struggled to perform effectively, which led to a decline in his performance. Marko likened the situation to that of a "battered boxer," emphasizing how difficult it is to recover from such setbacks. This admission highlights the complexities involved in team selections and the high stakes of performance in Formula 1.
The upcoming Japanese Grand Prix weekend will serve as Tsunoda's first opportunity to showcase his skills in the RB21. As Red Bull moves forward with this new lineup, all eyes will be on both Tsunoda and Verstappen, as the team aims to maximize its performance in pursuit of a successful season.
