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Guenther Steiner Slams Red Bull for ‘Demotivating’ Tsunoda With Lawson Promotion

Redação by Redação
February 2, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Guenther Steiner Slams Red Bull for ‘Demotivating’ Tsunoda With Lawson Promotion

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 10: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive in the garage during Formula 1 testing at Yas Marina Circuit on December 10, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202412100643 // Usage for editorial use only //

Former F1 team boss Guenther Steiner has taken a jab at Red Bull’s decision to promote Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen’s 2025 teammate, calling the move a ‘compromise’ and a mistake.

After Sergio Perez’s underwhelming performances in 2024 cost Red Bull the Constructors’ Championship, the team parted ways with the Mexican driver and selected Lawson as Verstappen’s new partner for 2025. However, Steiner strongly believes Tsunoda deserved the seat and that Red Bull botched the decision by keeping him in their junior team for a fifth straight season.

“I don’t think that was the perfect choice. Everything was a compromise, it’s one of [those] choices,” Steiner said. “I’m of the opinion that [Tsunoda] should have been given the chance.”

‘Why Keep Him Around?’ – Steiner Questions Red Bull’s Strategy

Steiner pointed out that Tsunoda had already spent four years with Red Bull’s junior squad, proving himself against multiple teammates. Yet, despite outperforming most of them, he was overlooked in favor of Lawson, who had competed in only six races with RB (formerly AlphaTauri).

“Would have been a better bet, say we put him in the car one year, and see how he’s doing. If he’s not good, let him go,” Steiner explained. “Now he’s sitting another year in the Racing Bull, and it’s not motivational for the guy as well.”

Steiner’s comments highlight a growing issue with Red Bull’s driver development program. Historically, drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon were promoted to the senior team only to be dropped prematurely. Steiner sees Tsunoda suffering a similar fate, questioning why Red Bull even keeps him around if they don’t believe in his ability to step up.

“He’s doing more of the same, but he’s not exposed to make the step,” Steiner said. “It’s like he’s not given the opportunity, so why keep him around? I don’t know. His fifth year in the junior team, right? Is it a junior team, or what is it?”

A ‘Demotivating’ Season Ahead for Tsunoda?

With Isack Hadjar making his F1 debut for RB in 2025, Tsunoda will have to prove himself yet again without any real path to Red Bull’s main team. Despite his solid performances, he finds himself stuck, with little hope of ever securing a Red Bull seat.

Steiner’s criticism raises a bigger question: Has Red Bull abandoned its junior driver philosophy? If Tsunoda isn’t deemed worthy of a shot in the senior team, is RB still a feeder team, or has it become a permanent midfield squad with no real promotion path?

One thing is certain—Tsunoda will need to deliver standout performances in 2025 to keep his F1 career alive, but with no clear path to Red Bull, how long will he stick around?

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