The Formula 1 season continues to stir up off-track drama, with Red Bull at the heart of a controversy involving its four-time world champion, Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver has openly expressed his displeasure with the team’s decision to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda ahead of the Japan Grand Prix, scheduled for April. The switch, coming after just two races with Lawson as a full-time driver, has sparked discussions about Red Bull’s driver management approach. Currently third in the Constructors’ Championship, the Austrian team relies heavily on Verstappen, who has scored all its points so far this year, and his dissatisfaction highlights tensions within the squad.
Verstappen’s stellar performance remains the cornerstone of Red Bull’s 2025 campaign. As the team navigates a competitive season, the constant turnover in the second seat has become a recurring theme. Since joining Red Bull in 2016, the Dutchman has raced alongside five different teammates, and the potential exit of Lawson in favor of Tsunoda would mark his sixth partner in nine years. This instability contrasts sharply with Verstappen’s reliability, raising questions about the team’s long-term strategy.
The decision to reinstate Tsunoda reflects Red Bull’s preference for familiar faces. Lawson, who earned his promotion through stints with satellite teams AlphaTauri and Racing Bulls, had an unexpectedly brief run as a full-time driver, becoming the shortest-serving titular pilot in the team’s history with only two races. His replacement by Tsunoda, a known quantity from previous seasons with Racing Bulls, has fueled debate about Red Bull’s faith in its young driver pipeline and its handling of emerging talent.
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— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) March 24, 2025
A history of revolving seats
Red Bull’s track record with Verstappen’s teammates is one of frequent change. Daniel Ricciardo was the first to share the garage with the Dutchman in 2016, followed by Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon, and Sergio Pérez. Ricciardo departed for Renault in 2019, while Gasly and Albon struggled to match Verstappen’s pace, leading to mid-season replacements. Pérez, however, formed the longest-lasting partnership, racing alongside Verstappen for 90 Grands Prix between 2021 and 2024 before leaving late last year.
Liam Lawson’s tenure was even shorter-lived. Lasting just one month as a full-time driver, the New Zealander now holds the unwanted record of fewest races with Red Bull’s main team, surpassing Robert Doornbos’s three races and Vitantonio Liuzzi’s four. The abruptness of his exit caught many by surprise, even within a team known for bold moves. Tsunoda’s return, meanwhile, brings a driver with prior experience in the Red Bull ecosystem, though it hasn’t quelled Verstappen’s frustration with the process.
Verstappen’s discontent isn’t merely personal. As a four-time champion with titles from 2021 to 2024, he wields significant influence within Red Bull, and his voice carries weight. The swift dismissal of Lawson after such a brief stint suggests a lack of patience from management to assess the young driver’s potential, a point the Dutchman appears to have challenged behind closed doors.
Timeline of Verstappen’s Red Bull teammates
Max Verstappen’s journey with Red Bull has been defined by a rotating cast of teammates. Here’s how his partnerships have evolved:
- 2016-2018: Daniel Ricciardo, racing together for 52 events before the Australian’s departure.
- 2019: Pierre Gasly, dropped after 12 races, replaced by Alexander Albon for the final 9.
- 2020: Albon stayed on but was swapped for Sergio Pérez after 17 races.
- 2021-2024: Pérez became the most enduring partner, contesting 90 races with Verstappen.
- 2025: Liam Lawson, lasting just 2 races, now replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.
This revolving door underscores Red Bull’s ongoing quest for a second driver who can complement Verstappen’s exceptional form. Tsunoda, stepping back into the main team, faces the daunting task of proving himself in a high-pressure environment.
Why the switch sparked debate
Red Bull’s choice to part ways with Lawson so quickly has drawn scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. The 23-year-old New Zealander was regarded as a rising star in the team’s driver development program. His time with AlphaTauri and Racing Bulls showcased consistent performances, paving the way for his step up. Yet, two races proved insufficient for a thorough evaluation, prompting criticism of the team’s hasty approach.
Verstappen, known for his candid nature, reportedly voiced frustration over how the situation unfolded. Hailing from Limburg, Netherlands, the driver values stability within the team—crucial for someone competing at the pinnacle of the sport. Bringing Tsunoda back, while a safe option, disrupts Lawson’s momentum, a move Verstappen seemingly viewed as premature.
The team’s collective performance adds another layer to the story. With Verstappen accounting for every point in the Constructors’ Championship, the second driver’s role is under intense scrutiny. Tsunoda, who competed with Racing Bulls in 2023 and 2024, must deliver immediately to validate the switch and ease internal tensions.
Impact on the Constructors’ Championship
Red Bull currently sits third in the Constructors’ standings, trailing rivals like Ferrari and McLaren. Verstappen’s solo effort has kept the team competitive, but the lack of consistency in the second seat could hinder their climb up the leaderboard. In 2024, Pérez provided valuable support, but his departure paved the way for Lawson, whose stint was cut short in favor of Tsunoda.
The 24-year-old Japanese driver has shown flashes of speed, particularly at tracks like Suzuka, but his reliability remains a question mark. Red Bull hopes Tsunoda’s familiarity with the team’s operations will translate into a smooth transition to the RB21, the car used in 2025. For Verstappen, the focus remains on racking up wins to offset any shortcomings from his teammate.
The controversy also reignites discussions about Red Bull’s young driver program. Led by Helmut Marko, the initiative has produced stars like Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen but has faced backlash for discarding promising talents too soon. Lawson, now relegated back to the satellite teams, joins a list of drivers who didn’t get a fair shot at the top.
What to expect at the Japan GP
With the switch finalized, the Japan Grand Prix at Suzuka looms as Red Bull’s next test. The circuit, renowned for its high-speed corners, demands precision and teamwork. Verstappen, a three-time winner there from 2022 to 2024, is a strong contender, but Tsunoda’s contribution will be key to the team’s overall result.
Key facts about Suzuka:
- Built in 1962 as a Honda test track.
- Spans 5.807 km with 18 challenging turns.
- Has hosted the Japan GP since 1987, with only two exceptions.
Racing on home soil, Tsunoda has a golden opportunity to shine in front of Japanese fans. For Verstappen, the event is another chance to extend his lead in the Drivers’ Championship while navigating the team’s off-track decisions.
Management under the spotlight
Red Bull finds itself at a crossroads in 2025. Despite Verstappen’s individual brilliance, the team struggles to pair him with a consistent teammate. Opting for Tsunoda may offer a short-term fix, but Verstappen’s displeasure hints at deeper unrest. The rapid exit of Lawson after two races reinforces the perception that Red Bull prioritizes instant results over nurturing talent.
Meanwhile, competitors in the Constructors’ Championship remain formidable. Ferrari boasts a steady lineup with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, while McLaren relies on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. For Red Bull, the challenge extends beyond the track: aligning driver strategy with the expectations of their star performer is paramount.
Verstappen’s dynamic with team leadership is worth watching. Locked in until 2028, the Dutchman is the linchpin of Red Bull’s future, and his input could shape upcoming moves. For now, the Lawson-Tsunoda swap is a litmus test for a management team balancing talent, experience, and cohesion.
Looking ahead to the season
As the Japan GP nears, Red Bull enters a pivotal stretch. Tsunoda’s performance in the coming races will determine whether the decision pays off. Verstappen, meanwhile, aims to widen his Drivers’ Championship lead, though the second car’s inconsistency may cap the team’s constructors’ ambitions.
Season stats so far:
- Verstappen has won 3 of the 5 races in 2025.
- Red Bull has 120 points, all from the Dutchman.
- Tsunoda scored 15 points with Racing Bulls before his promotion.
Tsunoda’s return is a calculated risk, not a new tactic for Red Bull, which has recalled drivers like Albon as reserves in the past. Whether the Japanese driver can cement his place alongside Verstappen or prompt yet another change remains an open question.
