Last April, Red Bull created “another victim” in Formula 1. The driver in question was Liam Lawson, who, after only two races in the RB21, was forced to relinquish his seat to Yuki Tsunoda. Five months later, it is possible to evaluate with some knowledge the choice driven by Helmut Marko. In reality, this decision did not significantly alter the dynamics of the team’s second driver, as the real issue lies with the Austrian car itself rather than the driver behind the wheel.
The wolf may lose its hair but not its habits
The Milton Keynes team is no stranger to abrupt changes, often decided in a rather hasty manner. Pierre Gasly’s demotion to Toro Rosso after twelve race days is one such example. However, the situation involving Liam Lawson stands out as a record in Formula 1 history. The closest comparison is Daniil Kvyat, who was demoted after just four Grand Prix in 2016—a move that effectively destroyed both his self-confidence and, indirectly, his career trajectory.
In Kvyat’s case, however, the Russian driver from Ufa had caused significant problems, including serious incidents like the infamous “Torbedo” collisions with Sebastian Vettel. A rapid demotion such as Lawson’s is extremely rare in Formula 1 because team principals and their management teams usually provide new drivers with more time to adapt, recognizing that each car behaves differently, and the RB21 is no exception.
In fact, Red Bull’s example is arguably worse, as the RB21 presents several technical challenges. Lawson’s replacement appears to be more about internal dissatisfaction than a purely sporting judgment. Such a hasty decision could have harmed not only the reputation of the driver but also that of the team itself, highlighting a level of organizational chaos.
Was Lawson’s seat already destined for Yuki Tsunoda?
Another factor to consider is that Lawson’s seat may have been pre-assigned to Yuki Tsunoda from the beginning, with the number 22 effectively “stitched” onto it. The multi-championship-winning team initially hesitated to rely on the Japanese driver due to his exuberant personality, questioning whether he could fulfill the role of second driver behind Max Verstappen.
Tsunoda’s performance vindicates him
Yuki Tsunoda’s performance has steadily improved, convincing the Milton Keynes team to replace the newcomer Lawson. While on paper such a swap may seem harmless, the reality is that it was the car, not the drivers, causing the problems. The departure of key technical personnel over the past year contributed to Red Bull’s ongoing struggles, culminating in the mid-season dismissal of team principal Christian Horner.
Before Tsunoda joined the RB21, Red Bull announced that the team had addressed the car’s instability issues. This refinement was intended to mitigate or even resolve many of the challenges faced. In theory, these changes should have helped the drivers, but the results from the first fourteen races of the 2025 season speak for themselves. Only Max Verstappen has managed to handle the RB21 effectively, and not without extreme difficulty. The technical path chosen by the team was extremely aggressive, relying heavily on Verstappen’s exceptional skills to tame a car that is otherwise temperamental and disobedient.
Why Lawson and Tsunoda cannot be blamed
Considering Lawson’s struggles, which included returning to the Racing Bulls to outperform the Dutch driver, Tsunoda should not be criticized either. Verstappen’s unparalleled talent overshadows other drivers, even though some former competitors, like Jacques Villeneuve, have suggested that in the 1990s there were at least four or five drivers per season capable of similar feats. Such claims are, in our view, pure exaggeration.
And Sergio Perez? The “lesser evil”
Looking at Lawson’s treatment and results, perhaps we have been too harsh on Sergio Perez. The factors behind the New Zealander’s underperformance are now clearer. While inexperience played a role, the immense pressure applied from day one undoubtedly exacerbated the situation.
Red Bull seems to struggle when it comes to integrating “new talents,” or perhaps they are simply waiting for a new Verstappen to emerge. The latter scenario seems utopian, considering Max is a phenomenon in the motorsport world. This perspective encourages a reconsideration of Perez, who, despite often underwhelming results, has at least managed to challenge Verstappen’s talent on merit rather than luck. In fact, since Daniel Ricciardo, Perez is the only teammate capable of genuinely competing with the Dutch driver.
Red Bull may need to rethink its entire program, and indications suggest that the team is already doing so. A shift in strategy is essential to independently contend in the 2026 World Championship, as the new regulation cycle begins.
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