Red Bull Racing is on the brink of a major driver shake-up as speculation mounts over Sergio Pérez’s future with the team. With the Mexican driver enduring a lackluster season, senior figures at Red Bull’s sister team RB (formerly AlphaTauri) are throwing their weight behind Yuki Tsunoda as a potential replacement—claiming the Japanese driver is ready to make the leap to a top-tier seat.
Tsunoda’s Case for Promotion
Laurent Mekies, RB’s team principal, minced no words about Tsunoda’s readiness, stating it would be “a lie” to suggest otherwise.
“He has put that car in P3 in Brazil and P7 in Vegas. Who am I to say he’s not ready for a faster car?” Mekies said. “He’s made huge improvements, both in terms of feedback and emotional control.”
Racing director Alan Permane echoed these sentiments, praising Tsunoda’s raw pace and improved consistency:
“He’s super quick and able to extract the most out of the car, especially in qualifying. His feedback is strong, and his English is excellent. The frustrations you hear over the radio? That’s something he’s actively working on.”
The Liam Lawson Factor
While Tsunoda has shown significant growth, Red Bull’s leadership also has their eyes on Liam Lawson, who has impressed in his limited F1 outings this season. Though Lawson lacks Tsunoda’s experience—Abu Dhabi marks only his 11th Grand Prix—his composure under pressure and consistent pace relative to Tsunoda have caught the attention of Red Bull executives.
“Lawson is the real deal,” Permane said. “For him to be so close to Yuki with such a gap in experience speaks volumes.”
Why Red Bull Might Hesitate
Despite Tsunoda’s progress, concerns linger about his ability to handle the pressure of being Max Verstappen’s teammate. Red Bull has long required their second driver to act as both a challenger and a reliable backup to Verstappen—a dynamic some believe could be destabilized by Tsunoda’s emotional tendencies.
Moreover, Lawson’s poise and potential as a long-term asset make him an attractive option, especially as Red Bull considers refreshing its driver lineup for the future.
Tsunoda’s Red Bull Future at Risk?
Failing to secure a promotion could send a clear signal that Tsunoda’s Red Bull future is limited. With Honda, his primary backer, leaving Red Bull at the end of 2025, Tsunoda may find his path to a competitive F1 seat increasingly narrow.
However, Mekies remains optimistic:
“Not getting the promotion doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. If Yuki or Liam continue to make strides like they have this year, their chance will come again.”
The Stakes for Red Bull
Christian Horner has hinted that Pérez’s future may be determined by his own choices, but Red Bull is clearly preparing for the possibility of change. Choosing between Tsunoda and Lawson isn’t just about 2025—it’s about setting the team up for sustained success in an era where Verstappen’s dominance requires a dependable and capable partner.
The Road Ahead
For now, Tsunoda is set to contest another season with RB, with Red Bull exercising its option to extend his contract. Meanwhile, Lawson will likely remain in the frame as a reserve driver, continuing to gain experience. Both will have the opportunity to prove their worth in 2025, but the decision after Abu Dhabi could reshape the careers of these rising stars—and define the future of Red Bull Racing.
