The anticipation is building as fans await to see who will be Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull when the Formula 1 season resumes at the Japanese Grand Prix in just one week. Reports indicate that Red Bull is actively contemplating a driver swap between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda after Lawson’s turbulent start to the season, which raises questions about the team’s strategy and the ongoing battle for the coveted second seat in Formula 1.
The discussions surrounding Lawson’s prospects have gained traction following his unfortunate performances in the opening races of the season, including three consecutive early exits in qualifying rounds without scoring any points. F1 analysts have been vocal about the disparities between Lawson’s performance and that of Verstappen, who continues to demonstrate exceptional skill and consistency on the track.
Recent commentary on the sport highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Lawson. The team’s development path, as disclosed by team boss Christian Horner, has heavily favored Verstappen’s driving style, resulting in a car that is proving difficult for others to master. As analysts review these developments, there is growing speculation about the effectiveness of Red Bull’s driver selections and training practices.
Adding to the debate, Lawson himself acknowledged the necessity to quickly acclimate to the performance characteristics of the new 2025 Red Bull vehicle, which Verstappen has indicated is particularly tricky to handle. His recent finishes, notably a 12th-place result, have intensified scrutiny and calls for more time for driver evaluations before making a decision.
As caution prevails, experts argue that replacing Lawson ahead of the Suzuka race would be ill-advised, especially given his familiarity with the circuit. The Japanese Grand Prix, taking place from April 4-6, is expected to be a pivotal moment for both Lawson and the team as they seek to improve on their current standings.
Red Bull faces a critical juncture in determining the best approach to harness the full potential of their driver lineup. As the countdown to the Japanese Grand Prix begins, the motorsport community continues to monitor Lawson’s performance closely and the decisions that lie ahead for Red Bull Racing.
