Liam Lawson sacked from Red Bull « Euro Weekly News
Yuki Tsunoda is expected to join Red Bull’s main team in time for his home race in Japan.
Credit : Shutterstock, Jay Hirano
In a sudden and controversial move, Red Bull Racing is reportedly replacing Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after just two races.
The decision, still unofficial, comes as the team reshuffles its driver line-up ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6.
According to Sky Sports pundit Ralf Schumacher, who previously broke the news of Daniel Ricciardo’s sacking, Lawson is already out. “Tsunoda will replace him,” Schumacher said. “It’s not fully confirmed yet, but that’s how it looks.”
Red Bull management faces backlash over mid-season shake-up
Schumacher didn’t hold back in criticising the team’s handling of the situation, calling it ‘unbelievable’ and ‘destabilising.’ Tsunoda, who has spent four seasons with the Racing Bulls (Red Bull’s sister team), will now move to the senior squad for what could be a pivotal moment in his career.
Lawson, who had been promoted during the offseason, now faces an uncertain future. The New Zealander’s recent performances have drawn criticism, with back-of-the-grid qualifying and low race finishes in both Australia and China.
Red Bull under pressure as search for Verstappen’s teammate intensifies
Red Bull’s decision to pay a reported £12 million to release Sergio Perez and bring in Lawson was a gamble that hasn’t paid off. Since Ricciardo’s departure in 2018, no second driver has consistently matched Max Verstappen. Perez, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and now Lawson have all struggled.
Team boss Christian Horner has admitted Lawson’s recent form is concerning. “He’s had a couple of really tough weekends and he’s got all the media on his back,” Horner said. “We’re going to do the best we can to support him.”
Meanwhile, Helmut Marko, head of driver development, hinted at other options, including rising star Isack Hadjar, suggesting more changes could come.
Tsunoda gets Red Bull promotion ahead of home Grand Prix in Japan
For Tsunoda, this move is long overdue. After being repeatedly overlooked, his promotion to Red Bull’s top team comes just in time for a career-defining race in front of his home crowd in Suzuka. With the senior car beneath him, all eyes will be on whether he can rise to the occasion.
Red Bull, under pressure from both performance gaps and public scrutiny, is clearly searching for a reliable partner for Verstappen. Whether Tsunoda can finally fill that role remains to be seen, but fans won’t have to wait long to find out.
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