The Formula 1 landscape of 2025 remains in a state of flux as Red Bull’s surprising driver decisions continue to raise eyebrows. Young guns Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda are currently at the heart of this intrigue. Despite Lawson commanding the Red Bull RB21, with Tsunoda at the helm of the Racing Bulls, former Aston Martin strategist and current Sky F1 analyst Bernie Collins warns that the season is far from settled.
Red Bull’s decision in the previous year to favor Lawson over Tsunoda, despite the latter’s commendable performance against Daniel Ricciardo, created ripples in the F1 community. Red Bull’s preference for Lawson was rooted in his perceived potential for growth. As the dust settles on the opening Grand Prix in Australia, however, it’s clear that Tsunoda has brought his A-game to the table, outperforming Lawson and raising questions about Red Bull’s strategic decisions.
Tsunoda, the Japanese racer, secured an impressive fifth place in the qualifying rounds of the Australian Grand Prix. Though he finished outside the points, the shortfall was attributed to a flawed strategy from the pit wall, leaving no question marks over his performance. Lawson, on the other hand, failed to progress beyond Q1, with minor errors on his final lap and a crash in the wet conditions contributing to his early exit.
Collins, in her analysis, raises the question of what Red Bull sees in Lawson over Tsunoda. While the lap times, performances, and radio communications are visible to all, she notes that the behind-the-scenes interactions between the drivers and the team remain hidden. Tsunoda’s progression, she acknowledges, has been marked and noticeable. She also casts doubt on Red Bull’s decision to overlook Tsunoda’s potential, especially given the early stage of the season.
Tsunoda himself has expressed confusion and frustration at Red Bull’s decision to favor Lawson. Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, he candidly shared his bewilderment at being overlooked, especially considering his triumph over Daniel Ricciardo.
Collins advises Tsunoda to focus on his own performance, commending his impressive qualifying in Australia. She suggests that if Tsunoda continues to outperform the Red Bull number two car, questions will inevitably arise. Tsunoda, for his part, seems intent on doing just that. His determination, coupled with Collins’ prediction of further changes in the Red Bull lineup, add to the intrigue of the 2025 season, keeping fans on their toes.
