Red Bull’s shocking decision to promote Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda for the vacant 2025 seat alongside Max Verstappen has stirred major debate in the Formula 1 paddock—and ex-Haas boss Guenther Steiner is not on board with the choice.
Steiner, known for his blunt takes, believes that Tsunoda was the better bet for the second Red Bull seat and that the team’s decision-making process might have done the Japanese driver more harm than good.
🗣️ Guenther Steiner on the decision:
“I don’t think that was the perfect choice. Everything was a compromise… I’m of the opinion that [Tsunoda] should have been given the chance. 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.”
Now, Tsunoda remains stuck at Racing Bulls for a fifth season, while Lawson—after just six races—lands a dream shot in the main Red Bull team. But did Christian Horner & Co. make the wrong call?
📉 Tsunoda’s Stalled Progress: Is Red Bull Wasting His Talent?
Since debuting in 2021, Tsunoda has shown rapid improvement—but his career progression has hit a ceiling.
🔍 Tsunoda’s 2024 season in numbers:
🏎️ Points: 48 (career-best)
🏎️ Best Finish: 4th (Imola GP)
🏎️ Head-to-Head vs. Daniel Ricciardo: Better in qualifying, tied in race results
Tsunoda finally outperformed a seasoned veteran in Ricciardo last year, yet still didn’t earn the coveted Red Bull seat. Instead, Lawson leapfrogged him after a handful of races—which Steiner argues is a brutal message to send.
“Now he’s sitting another year in the Racing Bull, and it’s not motivational for the guy as well,” Steiner remarked.
So why keep Tsunoda at all? If he’s not Red Bull material, why not let him go and explore options elsewhere instead of stringing him along?
🏎️ Why Did Red Bull Choose Liam Lawson Over Yuki Tsunoda?
Red Bull’s ruthless driver policy has been well-documented—just ask Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Daniil Kvyat. When it comes to partnering Max Verstappen, they are not looking for “decent”—they want elite.
🔴 Why Red Bull went with Lawson:
✅ Superb debut stint (Zandvoort 2023) impressed decision-makers
✅ Stronger technical feedback & adaptability than Tsunoda
✅ Considered a long-term Verstappen replacement
Even Christian Horner admitted that Tsunoda could leave the Red Bull family in 2026 if no F1 seat opens up for him—essentially signaling that he’s not part of their long-term vision.
🗣️ Horner on Tsunoda’s future:
“If no opportunity arises within the Red Bull family, we may have to let him go.”
Red Bull sees Lawson as a potential future No.1 driver, while Tsunoda—despite his talent—remains on borrowed time.
🚨 Will Tsunoda Ever Get a Real F1 Shot?
For Tsunoda, 2025 is make-or-break.
🔹 His current path:
🔸 One more year at Racing Bulls
🔸 Reserve role for Red Bull’s main team
🔸 Chance to replace Lawson if he underperforms
🔹 His main challenges:
🔸 Lawson needs to struggle for him to have a shot
🔸 Racing Bulls will focus on developing F2 graduate Isack Hadjar
🔸 Outside F1, there are very few top seats available
The harsh truth? Tsunoda is running out of time.
🏁 What’s Next for Tsunoda?
If Lawson flourishes at Red Bull, Tsunoda might never see a promotion. If Racing Bulls decides to prioritize Isack Hadjar’s development, he could be out of the Red Bull system entirely by 2026.
👀 Potential Tsunoda moves after 2025:
📌 Stay in Red Bull’s reserve role—but with no clear promotion path.
📌 Switch to another F1 team—but available seats will be limited.
📌 Jump to IndyCar/WEC—like Pierre Gasly nearly did before Alpine saved him.
Steiner’s main concern is valid: If Tsunoda isn’t good enough for Red Bull, why are they wasting his time at Racing Bulls instead of giving him a real chance somewhere else?
🔥 Final Verdict: Did Red Bull Make a Mistake?
🛑 YES: If they weren’t going to promote Tsunoda, they should’ve cut ties already and let him find a long-term F1 home elsewhere.
✅ NO: Lawson showed more upside in fewer races, making him the more exciting bet.
Either way, Tsunoda’s future hangs in the balance. If Lawson impresses in 2025, the Japanese star may find himself pushed out of F1 entirely.
🔮 Prediction: Unless Lawson flops spectacularly, 2025 could be Tsunoda’s last season in Formula 1.
💬 What do you think? Did Red Bull make the wrong call? Will Tsunoda ever get a proper shot in F1? Drop your takes below! 👇🔥
