616 replies to this topic

[Organic]

Die Limburger (newspaper from the local region where Verstappen is from) reports that Red Bull have decided to replace Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda for Japan onwards.

https://www.limburge..._campaign=share

 

During a high-level meeting of Red Bull's parent company in Dubai on Tuesday, it was decided that Liam Lawson's time at Red Bull Racing has come to an end. He will be immediately swapped with Yuki Tsunoda from Racing Bulls.

 

 

Another interesting quote:

What makes the choice of Lawson even more notable is that Honda had been willing to pay an additional 10 million euros to Red Bull if they chose Tsunoda as a replacement for Sergio Pérez in 2025. Honda already pays 10 million euros annually for Tsunoda's Racing Bulls seat, but they were willing to double that if the Japanese driver were to land the second seat alongside Verstappen.

Horner dismissed the offer at the time, but sources have told De Limburger that such a deal is now on the table. The savvy top brass at Red Bull Racing has reached out to the Japanese multinational in recent days and literally asked how much they are willing to pay to have Tsunoda race alongside Verstappen for the rest of the year. Reports indicate that Honda is willing to pay several million for their dream transfer.

 

 

Canal+ have also reported it in France

 

https://pbs.twimg.co...t=jpg&name=orig

 

And I've had indication that Yuki is in from someone within RBR

Edited by Organic, 25 March 2025 - 20:06.

[Organic]

Yuki in, lawson out is done now. Was decided today

 

Die Limburger, van Haren and Canal+ have all reported in the last 20mins, on top of some insiders providing confirmation

 

https://www.telegraa...van-liam-lawson

Edited by Organic, 25 March 2025 - 20:10.

[Yoshi]

Canal+ is reporting the same

[JimmyClark]

Well that's the definition of the piranha club right there.

[garoidb]

Does Lawson get to slot in at the Racing Bull team now? Or is he out completely? If it is the former, it might be a blessing in disguise and give him time to recover his career.

[FullOppositeLock]

Yuki the next decent driver to be crushed by the Max pressure cooker then. At least we should be getting some colourful team radios out of it.

[Nicktendo86]

This simultaneously makes perfect sense and is absolutely nuts all at the same time. I’m gobsmacked.

[DevilDare]

Heart says Yuki has a strong weekend. Brain says he'll be out in Q1 too.

[FNG]

Not only is it nutty for not giving Lawson more time, it will screw Yuki as he will probably do worse in the RB ( with no seat time) than he would of in the VCARB at his home race. Careful what you wish for Yuki!

[Ivanhoe]

Does Lawson get to slot in at the Racing Bull team now? Or is he out completely? If it is the former, it might be a blessing in disguise and give him time to recover his career.

Erik van Haren reports that Lawson returns to RB.

[JimmyClark]

Not only is it nutty for not giving Lawson more time, it will screw Yuki as he will probably do worse in the RB ( with no seat time) than he would of in the VCARB at his home race. Careful what you wish for Yuki!

To be honest, he's likely out this year anyway (unfairly), so what does he have to lose?

Edited by JimmyClark, 25 March 2025 - 20:34.

[TomNokoe]

Horrible, horrible decision

[Earthling]

Watch Liam in the Racing Bulls outqualify Yuki in the RB...
Its not the either drivers' fault the car is designed in this awkward way and only suits Max.

[garoidb]

Not only is it nutty for not giving Lawson more time, it will screw Yuki as he will probably do worse in the RB ( with no seat time) than he would of in the VCARB at his home race. Careful what you wish for Yuki!

 

 

To be honest, he's likely out this year anyway (unfairly), so what does he have to lose?

 

He has had his run in the junior team, at least. He won't ever be better prepared than he is now and, I agree, has nothing to lose.

 

Fairness is neither here nor there ... he has only driven for Racing Bulls, and its predecessors, because of Honda. There was never an arrangement to promote him if he achieved certain targets or beat certain drivers. If there is a deal now based on circumstances and, again, Honda support, then I wish him the best of luck. 

[Anja]

A bit crazy but let's be honest, neither Red Bull nor Tsunoda have much to lose here. Yuki can't do worse than Lawson in the first two races. If he's on a similar level they know for sure it's the car's fault. And after so many years Tsunoda himself won't improve his reputation any more by qualifying well in a midfield car only to get his races ruined by garbage strategies. It's gonna be very tough, obviously, but this is his chance to really shine and perhaps extend his stay in F1. He has to take it. 

Edited by Anja, 25 March 2025 - 21:05.

[MikeTekRacing]

This simultaneously makes perfect sense and is absolutely nuts all at the same time. I’m gobsmacked.

sums it all up perfectly

[Risil]

Gosh. The Liz Truss of F1 appointments. Is this a record for a driver being dumped for underperformance?

 

I also wonder how Lawson was reacting to his trouble behind the scenes.

[KWSN - DSM]

If Tsunoda go to red Bull, he better be the calm Tsunoda and not the not so calm Tsunoda - He will be getting a unique chance as a F1 driver, much as all F1 drivers should see themselves as the best in the world, he better race to the best of his own abilities, to do not force, do not press - Just race as the best version of Tsunoda and the results will come to him.

 

And maybe he will fail as so many before him.

 

Next up should be Buemi, he is still testing / simming for them (at least still was last year).

[JimmyClark]

Weren't there rumours that Lawson wasnt too popular with the mechanics/pitcrew either?

[Risil]

What makes the choice of Lawson even more notable is that Honda had been willing to pay an additional 10 million euros to Red Bull if they chose Tsunoda as a replacement for Sergio Pérez in 2025. Honda already pays 10 million euros annually for Tsunoda's Racing Bulls seat, but they were willing to double that if the Japanese driver were to land the second seat alongside Verstappen.

Horner dismissed the offer at the time, but sources have told De Limburger that such a deal is now on the table. The savvy top brass at Red Bull Racing has reached out to the Japanese multinational in recent days and literally asked how much they are willing to pay to have Tsunoda race alongside Verstappen for the rest of the year. Reports indicate that Honda is willing to pay several million for their dream transfer.

 

Horner did learn a few things from Bernie then

[lukestanton91]

There truly are no words. Which, when you’re posting on a forum, is somewhat unfortunate.

[Lazy]

Does Yuki like a pointy car?

[garoidb]

Horner did learn a few things from Bernie then

 

The real trick would have been to charge Honda 10 million euros extra not to move Tsunoda to Red Bull!

[Fastcake]

Dropping a driver after just two grands prix? A bizarre decision frankly. Poor as Lawson was, I’m gobsmacked Red Bull have gone straight to replacing him and have not even attempted to support him to improve his performance first. Even past Red Bull driver axings have at least given them half a season to up their performance.

It certainly raises even more questions over Red Bull’s management. Either Tsunoda should have got the seat to start with, or they should have trusted the call to go with Lawson. Perhaps after going through Lawson, Perez, Albon, Gasly, Ricciardo, etc, they might start to notice the fault in the second car is not in the man holding the steering wheel.

Good luck to Tsunoda. He’ll need it.

[Disgrace]

Red Bull made the wrong decision, and recognising it early is the best decision for all. Lawson wasn't getting out of that hole in a hurry.

[jonklug]

Horner has completely lost the plot. Should have quietly stepped back last year and kept perhaps a little of his dignity.

This shows they really have 0 understanding of what is happening, what it takes to help your driver with a problematic car, or the reasons why that car became so problematic.

Switching drivers endlessly is papering over the cracks. If Verstappen leaves they would have 2 drivers not making Q3.

I think Yuki doesn't realize how hard it will be. Wish him luck but this is just awful all around.

[Disgrace]

Dropping a driver after just two grands prix? A bizarre decision frankly. Poor as Lawson was, I’m gobsmacked Red Bull have gone straight to replacing him and have not even attempted to support him to improve his performance first. Even past Red Bull driver axings have at least given them half a season to up their performance.

It certainly raises even more questions over Red Bull’s management. Either Tsunoda should have got the seat to start with, or they should have trusted the call to go with Lawson. Perhaps after going through Lawson, Perez, Albon, Gasly, Ricciardo, etc, they might start to notice the fault in the second car is not in the man holding the steering wheel.

Good luck to Tsunoda. He’ll need it.

Late Soviet Red Bull Racing.

[RPM40]

Well now the standard for how many races a driver promoted to the main seat can last is 2 races.

 

The previous record was held by Gasly at 12 races.

 

There isn't much room for improvement, but never say never.

Edited by RPM40, 25 March 2025 - 21:02.

[ClubmanGT]

Be interesting to see if Tsunoda suffers the same sort of gremlins Lawson has had, or whether he gets a clean run at it. Or whether Honda has something up their sleeve for a home race with a home driver in terms of turning the wick up like Toyota used to (although from memory that was more about fuel levels when they were doing it). 

[paulb]

I hope that somehow, Yuki can thrive.

[FirstnameLastname]

https://x.com/b24pt/...jNzYI1wHgQ5OZzw

Unfortunate Tsunoda GIF

[Risil]

Is this a record for a driver being dumped for underperformance?

 

Ivan Capelli at Jordan in 1993, also lasted two races. Jordan then cycled through three more teammates for Rubens Barrichello before hiring Eddie Irvine.

[basimi]

This shows very poor decision management and just utter chaos within the team. Lawson is not a bad driver, but is thrown under the bus. I really hope that Yuki will perform, but chances are that he will underperform (compared to Max) as well. Maybe his experience in F1 will help.

And maybe, just maybe, RB just made a very bad car with a very narrow window, which is very hard to drive. If two "normal" drivers would be paired at RB, I think the current state of RBR would be exposed and it would be a very bad look.

[GrzegorzChyla]

Lawson is double unlucky - one that there was rain in Australia, second that next race is Japan.

[Venom]

Another interesting quote:

This is wild if true. Tsunoda was the better performing driver at the time AND the Honda money from hiring him would’ve covered a majority of Checo’s pay off. What were Red Bull thinking.

Edited by Venom, 25 March 2025 - 21:09.

[Alfisti]

This has played out PERFECTLY for Tsunoda. If he rocks up and lays an egg, people will just go "see, the car is rubbish r built around max" or whatever, if he makes Q2 he looks like a genius. 

[Risil]

Lawson is double unlucky - one that there was rain in Australia, second that next race is Japan.

Top 5 with Toro Rosso next time out then?

[FLB]

Ivan Capelli at Jordan in 1993. Jordan then cycled through three more teammates for Rubens Barrichello before hiring Eddie Irvine.

I think Capelli himself had enough,though. Plus, IIRC, there was some money issue. 

[Laptom]

Watch Liam in the Racing Bulls outqualify Yuki in the RB...
Its not the either drivers' fault the car is designed in this awkward way and only suits Max.

Once again, this car doesn't suit Max. Also he reported last year and this year that the car is not good and he needs to drive around the issues.

[MikeTekRacing]

Lawson is double unlucky - one that there was rain in Australia, second that next race is Japan.

yeap. he was lucky though to get his chances and he did not make the most out of them.

Tough world. 

[Risil]

I think Capelli himself had enough,though. Plus, IIRC, there was some money issue. 

What, at early nineties Jordan??

[MikeTekRacing]

Once again, this car doesn't suit Max. Also he reported last year and this year that the car is not good and he needs to drive around the issues.

the shortcomings suit him. he can no longer make everything happen with it, but they are in his range of dealing with.

That's why they stuck with this direction, because until a point last year he was fine with it, so the team decided to just ignore the other driver saying it's the wrong path

[Laptom]

This simultaneously makes perfect sense and is absolutely nuts all at the same time. I’m gobsmacked.

Yep, good summary. But I think this can be a blessing for all 3 parties. Yuki, can show if he is senior enough. Lawson just need some more time and patience. RB knows the difference between the RB and RB

[beachdrifter]

While I've been out of the loop with most things F1 for years, and don't even know Lawson, I was surprised to see in the predictions thread that almost everyone thought he would be a disaster at Red Bull.

 

So why did they give him the seat in the first place, if it was so predictable?

[Wes350]

To be honest, he's likely out this year anyway (unfairly), so what does he have to lose?

 

^THIS^

 

I'd normally see this ride swap as a poisoned pill.

 

But he's out at VCARB at the end of the year, and all the other 'B' teams new drivers seem to be working out well enough.

 

So where else is he supposed to go for next year?

 

If it turns out he has a knack for dragging that twitchy ride into Q3, then he has a job for at least two years. With 2026 prospects...

 

If not, he's just back where he was.

 

Yuki has nothing to lose at this point by throwing a hail mary...

[ClubmanGT]

While I've been out of the loop with most things F1 for years, and don't even know Lawson, I was surprised to see in the predictions thread that almost everyone thought he would be a disaster at Red Bull.

 

So why did they give him the seat in the first place, if it was so predictable?

 

Probably because it wasn't? The only way this makes sense as an argument is if Lawson was being used to screw a better deal out of Honda to put Tsunoda in the car for Japan from the outside.

[Bliman]

Makes Red Bull even more unlikable. If you get so little time then don't hire him in the first place.

[Laptom]

the shortcomings suit him. he can no longer make everything happen with it, but they are in his range of dealing with.
That's why they stuck with this direction, because until a point last year he was fine with it, so the team decided to just ignore the other driver saying it's the wrong path

Max likes a car with a strong front end, that is how he will setup his car. But that is just 1 parameter of dozens to be addressed in a car. He was very verbal that he didn't liked the 2024 car in driving style. Why do you think it suited him? Because it was pointy? OK, that is perhaps 5% of a car characteristic. What about the other 95%?
People a focusing too much on the pointy car. Look when Max is driving a GT3 car, within 2 laps he is faster than the factory driver on that day. End of the day he is 1.5sec faster than the factory driver. Believe me that the GT3 is not so pointy. But he likes the characteristic of a GT3 cat more.

[ClubmanGT]

yeap. he was lucky though to get his chances and he did not make the most out of them.

Tough world. 

 

I wonder if Tsunoda will have the same reliability issues that limited Lawson's running on his debut.

 

My guess is he won't. 

[Bliman]

Max likes a car with a strong front end, that is how he will setup his car. But that is just 1 parameter of dozens to be addressed in a car. He was very verbal that he didn't liked the 2024 car in driving style. Why do you think it suited him? Because it was pointy? OK, that is perhaps 5% of a car characteristic. What about the other 95%?
People a focusing too much on the pointy car. Look when Max is driving a GT3 car, within 2 laps he is faster than the factory driver on that day. End of the day he is 1.5sec faster than the factory driver. Believe me that the GT3 is not so pointy. But he likes the characteristic of a GT3 cat more.

The car suits him pretty well. You could see when it didn't suit him so well because Perez was immediately faster or very close to him.