The shockwaves from Liam Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull for the 2025 season have left the Formula 1 paddock buzzing—and raised serious questions about Yuki Tsunoda’s place in the Red Bull ecosystem. Despite four seasons of development and solid performances at the Faenza-based junior team, Tsunoda finds himself at a career crossroads, with even Red Bull team principal Christian Horner questioning the long-term viability of keeping the Japanese driver in the Red Bull program.
The Lawson Factor: Why Tsunoda Was Overlooked
When Red Bull made the call to part ways with Sergio Perez, many fans and analysts alike believed this was finally Tsunoda’s moment to step into a race-winning car alongside Max Verstappen. The 24-year-old has steadily honed his skills since joining the Red Bull junior team in 2021, often outperforming his teammates over the years.
However, Liam Lawson stole the spotlight during his brief 11-race stint as Perez’s temporary replacement, showcasing an adaptability and resilience that made him the preferred choice for the coveted Red Bull seat. This decision not only dashed Tsunoda’s hopes but also sparked internal debate about the need to keep him in the Red Bull driver pool.
Horner himself didn’t mince words when addressing the situation:
“We’re acutely aware that if we’re not able to provide an opportunity for Yuki—being, in all honesty, this year [2025]—does it make sense [to keep him]? You can’t have a driver in the support team for five years. You can’t always be the bridesmaid. You’ve either got to let them go at that point or look at something different.”
A Record-Setting Fifth Year in Faenza
If Tsunoda remains at the junior team through 2025, he will set a record as the longest-serving driver in the history of the Faenza-based squad. While this underscores his reliability and consistency, it also highlights the stagnation in his career trajectory within the Red Bull family.
Despite interest from other teams, Red Bull’s decision to keep him hinges on one critical factor: Liam Lawson’s performance against Max Verstappen. Should Lawson falter under the immense pressure of racing alongside a four-time world champion, the door could swing open for Tsunoda to make his long-awaited move to the senior team.
Horner’s Challenge to Tsunoda: Stay Relevant
Tsunoda’s path forward isn’t entirely closed, as Horner alluded to the unpredictable nature of Formula 1:
“Who would’ve thought nine months ago we’d be sitting here talking about Liam Lawson being our driver for 2025? Things change quickly in this industry, and [Yuki] knows he needs to be the one demonstrating that he’s the one knocking on the door.”
For Tsunoda, this means 2025 is a make-or-break year. He must outperform Lawson’s early promise, capitalize on any missteps from the Kiwi, and consistently deliver standout performances if he hopes to stay in contention for a future Red Bull seat—or at least secure a drive elsewhere in the paddock.
The Clock is Ticking
The spotlight may currently be on Lawson, but Tsunoda’s fate remains a key subplot in the unfolding Red Bull drama. With teams across the grid always on the lookout for proven talent, Tsunoda’s performances in 2025 could either secure him a lifeline within the Red Bull family or see him move on to pastures new.
For now, the 24-year-old’s career lies in a precarious balance, tethered to Lawson’s success—or failure—against Verstappen. As the silly season saga continues, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher for Yuki Tsunoda.
