The Formula 1 paddock is rife with speculation after reports emerged about Yuki Tsunoda potentially making a dramatic jump to Red Bull Racing. The shocking rumors suggest Tsunoda could replace Sergio Pérez sooner than expected, especially following Liam Lawson’s disappointing start to the season in the RB21. With Red Bull closely monitoring the performances of its junior team, Visa Cash App RB (formerly Alphatauri), Tsunoda’s outstanding consistency could earn him a career-defining promotion. But is he really ready for the Red Bull seat, and what does this mean for Lawson’s future?
Liam Lawson, the highly touted New Zealand driver, was expected to make an immediate impact on the RB Visa Cash app after stepping in as a full-time driver for the 2024 season. However, his first two races have been anything but impressive. His struggles culminated in a disastrous Chinese Grand Prix, where he failed to deliver a competitive performance, raising concerns about his readiness for the high-stakes world of F1.
Lawson, who impressed as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement last year, has so far failed to live up to expectations. His lack of pace, coupled with costly mistakes, has led Red Bull management to question whether he is the right fit for the team’s long-term vision. With Tsunoda consistently outperforming him, discussions about a potential driver swap are gaining momentum.
Yuki Tsunoda has come a long way since his rookie season in 2021. Once known for his aggressive driving style and hot-headed radio outbursts, the Japanese driver has matured significantly, proving to be a reliable and consistent performer. He has frequently outperformed his more experienced teammates and demonstrated an improved ability to strategically manage races.
Red Bull has noticed Tsunoda’s growth, and with the ever-present uncertainty surrounding Sergio Pérez’s long-term contract, there is a real possibility that the Japanese driver could move up to the main team. Pérez, despite his strong performances, has struggled to match Max Verstappen’s dominance. If Tsunoda can continue to show improvement, Red Bull could see him as the ideal number two driver, someone who can support Verstappen without causing internal team friction.
According to experts, the possibility of a mid-season driver change cannot be ruled out, especially if Lawson continues to struggle. If Red Bull sees Tsunoda as a viable option for 2025, they may want to test him in a few races this year to gauge his adaptability to a top-tier car.
The Suzuka Grand Prix of Japan could be the perfect venue for such an announcement. As Tsunoda’s home race, a promotion to Red Bull in front of his passionate Japanese fanbase would generate immense excitement and further solidify Red Bull’s growing presence in the Japanese market, particularly with Honda’s deep stake in the team.
If Tsunoda makes the jump to Red Bull, it will mark the biggest moment of his career. He’ll have the opportunity to prove himself against Verstappen, one of the most dominant drivers in F1 history. The question remains: can he thrive under the immense pressure that comes with driving for a title-winning team?
If Red Bull opts for a more experienced driver to replace Pérez instead, Tsunoda’s future at Visa Cash App RB remains uncertain. With multiple young talents in the Red Bull pipeline, including Isack Hadjar and Ayumu Iwasa, he will need to continue delivering strong performances to secure his place in the F1 grid beyond 2024.
As the F1 season heats up, the Tsunoda-Red Bull speculation is just beginning. Their impressive performances, combined with Lawson’s struggles, have created the perfect storm for a potential driver swap. Whether it happens this year or in 2025, one thing is certain: Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 career is at a critical turning point. Will he seize the opportunity and become Red Bull’s next rising star, or will he remain a solid midfield driver for the RB Visa Cash App? Only time will tell, but for now, all eyes are on Tsunoda as the F1 world awaits the next big move.
