Red Bull has announced a major shake-up for the Formula 1 2025 season, with Liam Lawson stepping up to partner reigning champion Max Verstappen. This decision came at the expense of Yuki Tsunoda, who many believed was in contention for the coveted seat. Team principal Christian Horner has now shed light on the factors behind this controversial choice, offering a glimpse into Red Bull’s decision-making process.
Why Yuki Tsunoda Missed Out on the Red Bull Seat
Yuki Tsunoda, a familiar face in the Red Bull ecosystem, has been racing for the junior team since 2021. Over the years, he has grown into a leadership role at the sister team (formerly AlphaTauri) and gained significant Formula 1 experience. Despite this, Red Bull opted to promote Liam Lawson, a relative newcomer, citing his potential and temperament as decisive factors.
Sergio Perez’s challenging 2024 season created a vacancy in the Red Bull lineup, prompting speculation about who would fill the role. Both Tsunoda and Lawson emerged as frontrunners. Tsunoda brought years of experience and had shown improvement since his rocky F1 debut. Lawson, however, caught the team’s eye with his rapid adaptability during a brief but impressive stint as a stand-in for AlphaTauri in 2023 and a full-time audition in late 2024.
Experience vs. Potential
While Tsunoda’s tenure at the junior team has helped him hone his skills, Lawson’s quick rise through the ranks demonstrated a level of potential that Red Bull found hard to ignore. In just 11 races, Lawson proved he could match Tsunoda’s performance levels despite being newer to the sport.
Christian Horner highlighted the contrasting trajectories of the two drivers:
“Yuki has done four years with our sister team, and he’s a driver that’s growing in experience and doing a good job. But what we felt in Liam, in what he’s achieved in such a short space of time, is very promising.”
The Temperament Factor
A key stumbling block for Tsunoda has been his temperament. Known for his fiery radio outbursts and moments of frustration, Tsunoda has struggled to maintain the composure required to thrive under the immense pressure of being Max Verstappen’s teammate.
Despite showing significant improvement in managing his emotions, concerns about Tsunoda’s mental resilience linger. Horner emphasized that Lawson’s calm demeanor under pressure made him a more suitable candidate for the high-stakes environment at Red Bull.
Lawson’s ability to handle challenging situations, including battling seasoned drivers like Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez, showcased his maturity and mental toughness. This quality, combined with his promising trajectory, gave him the edge in Red Bull’s eyes.
What’s Next for Yuki Tsunoda?
Horner was quick to point out that Tsunoda’s exclusion does not signal the end of his Red Bull journey:
“This doesn’t rule Yuki out for the future. It’s just that, at this juncture in time, we believe that Liam has the right characteristics and strength of character to deal with the pressure of being Max Verstappen’s teammate.”
Tsunoda remains a valuable asset within the Red Bull organization and could still have opportunities to prove himself in the future.
Liam Lawson’s Ambitions at Red Bull
For Lawson, stepping into the Red Bull team alongside Verstappen is a dream come true. Speaking on the Talking Bull podcast, Lawson shared his excitement and goals for the upcoming season.
“As Formula 1 drivers, we all share one goal: winning world championships. That’s been my dream since I was a kid. But I know it’s not going to happen immediately. My focus is on helping the team win the Constructors’ Championship and becoming competitive as quickly as possible.”
Lawson acknowledged the challenge of competing alongside Verstappen but expressed eagerness to learn from the Dutch superstar.
“Max is someone I’ve always looked up to. He’s been supportive since I joined as a reserve driver last year. There’s nobody better to learn from.”
Red Bull’s Strategic Move
The decision to promote Lawson over Tsunoda underscores Red Bull’s forward-thinking strategy. By choosing a driver they believe is better equipped to handle the demands of partnering with Verstappen, the team is setting itself up for continued dominance in the Constructors’ Championship.
Tsunoda’s fans may feel disappointed, but Red Bull’s decision highlights the intense competition and high expectations that come with being part of a top Formula 1 team. As Lawson gears up for his first full season with Red Bull, the pressure is on to justify the team’s faith in his abilities.
Conclusion
Christian Horner’s explanation offers valuable insight into why Yuki Tsunoda was overlooked for the Red Bull seat in 2025. While Tsunoda’s experience and growth are commendable, Lawson’s adaptability, calm under pressure, and promising potential ultimately made him the better choice for the role.
For Tsunoda, the journey doesn’t end here. With continued improvement, he may yet have another shot at making his mark in Red Bull’s future plans. Meanwhile, Lawson faces the daunting task of proving himself against one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. Only time will tell if this decision pays off for Red Bull.
