Aston Martin confirms Stroll move as Tsunoda expresses displeasure over Lawson promotion
Tsunoda reveals his ANGER level over Ricciardo replacement verdict
In a whirlwind of high-stakes maneuvers and surprising decisions on the Formula 1 grid, two major driver changes have sent shockwaves through the paddock ahead of the 2025 season. Aston Martin has officially confirmed a change involving Lance Stroll, adding another twist to an already tumultuous off-season. Meanwhile, his former teammate Daniel Ricciardo’s compatriot Yuki Tsunoda has broken his silence to reveal his inner turmoil and frustration over Red Bull’s decision to promote Liam Lawson as Ricciardo’s replacement.
Aston Martin’s decision regarding Stroll has sparked many questions within the motorsport community . While the details remain closely guarded, the confirmation of the change marks a significant shift in driver lineups as teams look to recalibrate their squads for the challenges of 2025. The move comes at a time when F1’s competitive landscape is rapidly evolving, with teams not shying away from making bold decisions that could redefine their destiny for the season ahead.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Racing Bulls environment has been rocked by Red Bull’s controversial promotion of Liam Lawson – a driver who had contested just 11 Grands Prix before the dawn of the 2025 campaign – to the coveted seat alongside Max Verstappen. Yuki Tsunoda, who was considered a prime candidate for the role after outperforming teammate Daniel Ricciardo and contributing significantly to the team’s points tally in 2024, has unexpectedly found himself sidelined. The move has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, wondering whether meritocracy truly reigns in one of the sport ’s most fiercely competitive organisations .
Tsunoda, whose performances last season had raised hopes of a long-awaited promotion, responded to the decision with a surprising level of calm. Speaking to the media ahead of the F1 livery launch at the O2 Arena, Tsunoda said: “To be honest, I’ve already put last year’s stuff aside a bit and put it out of my head. When they officially announced it, I didn’t really feel super angry or disappointed.” His measured response, however, belies the underlying discontent that many believe is simmering beneath the surface.
Despite his calm demeanor, Tsunoda did not shy away from acknowledging his personal failure. “Maybe I was prepared in my head at some point,” he continued. “At the end of the day, whether I’m at Racing Bulls, VCARB or Red Bull, the things I have to do are the same. I just have to stick to what I do. I understand why they chose Liam. That’s the way it is, there are things I can’t control. I’m just going to stay focused on myself and try to prove myself more.” His remarks sparked a wider debate about the pressures young drivers face when caught between expectations and the harsh realities of team politics in F1.
Red Bull’s move follows another major shake-up in the paddock. The team previously sacked Sergio Perez at the end of 2024 after a series of inconsistent performances left the team trailing in the constructors’ standings. The move, part of a wider restructuring effort to shore up its championship bid, has paved the way for sweeping changes to the line-up, with Liam Lawson emerging as the new face alongside Verstappen. While Lawson’s rapid rise has been hailed by some as a burst of talent, others, including Tsunoda, have questioned whether his relative inexperience justifies the leap, particularly when the stakes are so high.
