As reports emerge of Liam Lawson replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull in 2025, Formula 1 fans are outraged at the apparent exclusion of Yuki Tsunoda from contention. Has Red Bull overlooked one of its brightest talents?
Perez’s Red Bull Tenure in Turmoil
Sergio Perez, who joined Red Bull in 2021, is rumored to be on his way out after a season plagued by inconsistency. Despite starting 2024 with four podiums in the first five races, Perez’s form declined sharply after the Chinese Grand Prix, contributing to Red Bull losing the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren.
While Perez’s exit seems inevitable, the decision to reportedly promote Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda has sparked widespread criticism among fans, who feel the Japanese driver has been unfairly sidelined.
Tsunoda: The Overlooked Contender
Yuki Tsunoda, currently racing for Red Bull’s sister team VCARB, has consistently proven his mettle in Formula 1. Fans argue that Tsunoda outperformed his peers, including Daniel Ricciardo, Nyck De Vries, and even Liam Lawson, over the past two seasons.
Tsunoda’s standout performances and technical acumen were showcased during a post-season test in the RB20, where he impressed with his feedback and adaptability. However, despite being part of the Red Bull system since 2019, Tsunoda has never been given the opportunity to race for the senior team—a glaring omission that fans are calling out.
Fan Outrage Erupts
The news of Lawson’s rumored promotion has ignited a firestorm of criticism from F1 fans, who feel Tsunoda’s exclusion is both unfair and illogical. Social media platforms are flooded with comments expressing disbelief and frustration:
“Yuki Tsunoda should walk. Take a year off, then return with Cadillac or any other team.”
“Yuki Tsunoda outperformed Ricciardo, Lawson, and De Vries, yet he’s never even been seriously considered for the Red Bull seat. What a joke!”
“If Liam Lawson gets the Red Bull seat over Yuki, Yuki needs to leave the program and find a team that truly values his talent.”
“How can Red Bull overlook Yuki Tsunoda like this? Is there any logical reason behind this?”
Red Bull’s History of Controversial Decisions
Red Bull’s driver selection process has long been under scrutiny, with fans often questioning the team’s criteria for promotions. While Liam Lawson showed promise during his substitute appearances in 2024, many argue that his body of work pales in comparison to Tsunoda’s consistency and experience.
Tsunoda has not only proven himself on the track but also shown loyalty to the Red Bull program, renewing his contract with VCARB despite limited opportunities for advancement. Fans are now calling for the 23-year-old to seek opportunities elsewhere, suggesting that he would be better appreciated at a team like Cadillac Racing or another emerging force in Formula 1.
Zak Brown’s Tattoo Tradition Lives On
As McLaren celebrates its long-awaited title, one question looms in the paddock: What tattoo will Zak Brown get next?
The McLaren CEO, known for commemorating major milestones with ink, has already tattooed victories from Daniel Ricciardo’s 2021 Italian GP win and Lando Norris’ maiden F1 triumph. Now, Christian Horner can’t wait to see how Brown will celebrate this historic Constructors’ title.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what tattoo Zak is going to emblazon on himself for a constructors’ world championship,” Horner quipped.
What’s Next for Tsunoda and Red Bull?
As fans rally behind Tsunoda, Red Bull finds itself at a crossroads. The decision to promote Liam Lawson over Tsunoda could have lasting implications for the team’s reputation and its ability to retain talent.
Yuki Tsunoda must now decide whether to continue fighting for a spot within the Red Bull system or explore opportunities with teams that might better recognize his value.
For Red Bull, the backlash serves as a reminder that fans are watching—and they’re not afraid to call out decisions that seem unfair or short-sighted.