Key Red Bull figure Helmut Marko has explained why the team chose Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda to drive alongside Max Verstappen next season.
After a particularly difficult 2024 season, Red Bull has finally decided to put an end to the adventure of Sergio Pérez as teammate of the quadruple championthe Mexican pilot having finished 285 points behind him in the drivers' standings.
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The poor points performance seriously impacted Red Bull in the constructors' championship racewhere they finished in third place, despite their status as defending champions.
Pérez was replaced by New Zealander Lawson, despite the latter having only competed in 11 Grands Prix so far, while his compatriot Tsunoda has racked up 87 GP starts.
Why didn't Red Bull hire Yuki Tsunoda?
Marko shed some light on the decision by providing some key reasons why the Japanese driver was sidelined in favor of his less experienced teammate.
“The decision was surely disappointing for him,” Marko told Kleine Zeitung.
“His speed is undeniable, but he lacks a certain consistency and he is also a very emotional driver.
“Lawson’s overall package was just perfect, and Yuki Tsunoda is the spearhead of the Racing Bulls.”
While Marko focuses on Tsunoda's role at Racing Bulls, team principal Christian Horner has hinted that the Japanese driver could also leave that team soon.
“We are aware that if we cannot offer Yuki an opportunity, to be, in all honesty, this year [2025]does it make sense?” Horner told the media regarding retaining the Japanese driver in the future.
“You can't have a driver in the support team for five years. You can't be the maid of honor all the time.
“You either have to let them go at that point or consider something different.”
Our Point of view
The choice of Lawson over Tsunoda raises interesting questions about talent management in Formula 1. While Red Bull seems to favor already established potential with Lawson, one cannot ignore Tsunoda's impressive track record, which also deserves attention. This situation highlights the constant pressure to which F1 teams are subjected, especially in Europe, where performances are quickly scrutinized. Red Bull's strategy could be judged as a bold choice, but it is essential that the team does not lose sight of other talents that could shine in the future.
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