Speculation is rife in the Formula 1 paddock following Red Bull team principal Christian Horner not ruling out speculation that Yuki Tsunoda would replace Liam Lawson at the next Japanese Grand Prix.
Lawson’s first season with Max Verstappen has been far from perfect. The New Zealand driver struggled in the first two races, crashing out of the Australian Grand Prix and last qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix for both qualifying sessions. With his performances being so closely watched, there has been speculation about his near future at Red Bull.
Admitting the reality, Lawson conceded that he doesn’t have much time to salvage things. Post-Chinese Grand Prix reports indicated Red Bull is mulling a drastic driver switch for the Japan race, with Racing Bulls’ Tsunoda likely to replace Lawson.
At a post-race media conference, Horner was asked point-blank about the rumors of an early-season switch in Red Bull’s driver line-up. His reply, though short of a denial, served to do nothing to end the speculation. By not having a clear-cut denial, this only served to encourage further debate on a possible mid-season shake-up.
Turbulence at Red Bull and a Potential Shake-Up
For Red Bull, having a driver switch even this early into the season is not out of the question, although not standard procedure either. The team is known for its mid-season adjustments, having already made mid-race switches previously when targets have not been fulfilled. Lawson, who had expectations piled upon him upon arrival into the team, is now feeling increasingly pressureed to get the job done prior to the driver making the move.
Tsunoda, on the other hand, has impressed with Racing Bulls, previously AlphaTauri. His consistent performances have made Red Bull’s management take notice, and with the Japanese Grand Prix looming large, a home race debut for Tsunoda in a Red Bull car would be a tantalizing narrative. His experience with Honda, Red Bull’s engine partner, and his increasing maturity as a driver give more legitimacy to the gossip.
McLaren’s Increasing Anger with Norris and Piastri
Meanwhile, in the paddock, McLaren has its own demons to fight. Lando Norris has confirmed that the team is a little apprehensive regarding the possibility of a direct head-to-head battle for the title between himself and teammate Oscar Piastri. Having both drivers winning the opening two races, McLaren is in an uncommon but encouraging position—having the upper hand at the beginning of the season.
For McLaren, managing two top drivers competing for a title is a fine balancing act. The last time the team had a world champion was in 2008 when Lewis Hamilton took his first title. With both Norris and Piastri displaying good form, tensions within the team could rise during the course of the season. The team has announced that its drivers are welcome to race one another, but history has proven that such situations tend to result in fireworks on and off the track.
Fallout from the Chinese Grand Prix
The latest Grand Prix in Shanghai proved to be a chaotic affair. In a stunning turn of events, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were both disqualified post-race, a decision that sent shockwaves through the grid. Ferrari’s dismal weekend was compounded by this setback, raising questions about the team’s ability to challenge for the title this season.
The disqualifications also made a huge impact on the standings, upending the championship fight as teams and drivers rethink their approach going forward. With unpredictable outcomes and driver uncertainty on the horizon, the 2025 season is looking to be one of the most dramatic in recent history.
As the F1 circus makes its way to Japan, everyone will be looking at Red Bull’s next move. Will Lawson be given a bit more time to show himself, or will Tsunoda take over and grab the opportunity? The next few days may be crucial in determining the team’s lineup for the rest of the season.