A major rift in the Red Bull Racing team has been exposed, and it all stems from a critical incident at Silverstone in 2022. Helmut Marko, the Red Bull advisor, revealed that Yuki Tsunoda’s crash during that race led to renowned designer Adrian Newey turning against Tsunoda’s advancement to the lead team over Liam Lawson for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Marko highlighted the pivotal moment when Tsunoda collided with Pierre Gasly, causing damage to Max Verstappen’s car and costing him the race. This incident reportedly left Newey irate, ultimately impacting Tsunoda’s future within the team. However, with Newey’s recent departure to Aston Martin, Tsunoda has been able to refocus and elevate his performance.
The departure of Newey, a highly respected figure in Formula 1 design, after nearly two decades at Red Bull, raised eyebrows in the paddock. His absence during the decision-making process that led to Lawson’s promotion to the Red Bull seat added a layer of intrigue. Lawson’s swift demotion after just two race weekends, with Tsunoda taking his place, raised questions about the team’s dynamics and the challenges posed by the RB21 car.
Despite Lawson expressing shock at the sudden change, the move reflected the intense competition and high standards within the Red Bull Racing team. Tsunoda’s resurgence and Lawson’s unexpected setback underscore the volatile nature of F1 and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport.