AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

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

Redação by Redação
February 2, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
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?

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

F1 fans erupt as Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo reunite in thrilling Red Bull video
Motorsports

F1 fans erupt as Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo reunite in thrilling Red Bull video

Garth Milan / Red Bull Content Pool

by Redação
January 14, 2026
Aston Martin’s 2026 project in jeopardy: Adrian Newey forced to rethink groundbreaking design
Motorsports

Aston Martin’s 2026 project in jeopardy: Adrian Newey forced to rethink groundbreaking design

2025 Getty Images

by Miguel Cunha
January 14, 2026
Tymek Kucharczyk prepares to make history as first Polish driver in 2026 Indy NXT series
IndyCar

Tymek Kucharczyk prepares to make history as first Polish driver in 2026 Indy NXT series

Tymek Kucharczyk: The Rising Polish Star Set to Ignite the 2026 Indy NXT Season with HMD Motorsports! In a groundbreaking...

by Harry Stone
January 14, 2026
Carlos Sainz faces daunting F1 challenge: will Williams progress be wasted in 2026 overhaul?
Motorsports

Carlos Sainz faces daunting F1 challenge: will Williams progress be wasted in 2026 overhaul?

Revolutionary Changes Ahead: Carlos Sainz Slams Williams Progress 'Into the Bin' for 2026 F1 Season! In a stunning revelation that...

by Miguel Cunha
January 14, 2026

Recent News

F1 fans erupt as Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo reunite in thrilling Red Bull video

F1 fans erupt as Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo reunite in thrilling Red Bull video

January 14, 2026
Aston Martin’s 2026 project in jeopardy: Adrian Newey forced to rethink groundbreaking design

Aston Martin’s 2026 project in jeopardy: Adrian Newey forced to rethink groundbreaking design

January 14, 2026
Tymek Kucharczyk prepares to make history as first Polish driver in 2026 Indy NXT series

Tymek Kucharczyk prepares to make history as first Polish driver in 2026 Indy NXT series

January 14, 2026
Carlos Sainz faces daunting F1 challenge: will Williams progress be wasted in 2026 overhaul?

Carlos Sainz faces daunting F1 challenge: will Williams progress be wasted in 2026 overhaul?

January 14, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.