The Formula 1 grid is in turmoil following Red Bull’s decision to give Liam Lawson their seat instead of Yuki Tsunoda to be Max Verstappen’s teammate. A choice that has left many with their mouths open and raises a key question: Why did the Austrian team opt for the New Zealander instead of the Japanese?

Liam Lawson has proven to be a gem in the rough for Red Bull. His performances as a reserve driver and his outstanding performances in the opportunities he had with AlphaTauri put him in the spotlight. Indeed, during his replacement of Daniel Ricciardo, he made it clear that his adaptability and ability to press were superior to what was expected.

The Milton Keynes team knows it cannot afford to let a talent like Lawson slip through its fingers. His on-track aggression, overtaking ability and consistency in tricky conditions have made him a safer option than Tsunoda, who, despite his speed, has been inconsistent at key moments.

Yuki Tsunoda has shown flashes of talent since his arrival in F1, but his progress has been slower than Red Bull had hoped. Despite having the backing of Honda, his performances have been marked by errors, a lack of emotional control and a level of driving that does not fully convince Helmut Marko and Christian Horner.

While the Japanese has had some solid performances, especially in 2023, his consistency remains an issue. Red Bull are looking for a driver who can score points regularly and support Verstappen in the championship fight, and in that regard, Lawson seems a more reliable option.

Another key point is the dynamic within the team. Red Bull needs a second driver who not only performs well, but also fits in with the working philosophy around Verstappen. The choice of Lawson could also be influenced by his driving style, which is more similar to Max’s in terms of aggression and control in fast corners.

Honda’s backing has been instrumental in Tsunoda’s career, but with Red Bull and Ford joining forces from 2026, the Japanese manufacturer’s influence on decision-making has diminished. This has reduced the weight of Honda’s say in the driver line-up, leaving Tsunoda in a weaker position within the team structure.

Despite missing out on the chance to team up with Verstappen, Tsunoda could still be in F1, either with AlphaTauri or even exploring options outside of Red Bull’s structure. With Honda possibly joining Aston Martin in 2026, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to think of a future for the Japanese driver at that team.

Red Bull are looking for immediate results and a reliable second driver to support Verstappen. Liam Lawson has proven he is up to the challenge and, in the eyes of team bosses, represents a stronger option than Yuki Tsunoda. The decision has been made, and now it only remains to wait and see if the New Zealander will live up to expectations in the 2025 season. Formula 1 is about to experience an electrifying new chapter!