Red Bull may pull a shock switch at Suzuka, with Tsunoda set to replace Lawson alongside Verstappen in a bold mid-season move.
Rumors are swirling in the paddock: Liam Lawson might have already raced his last Grand Prix for Red Bull Racing — and Yuki Tsunoda could be stepping in as soon as Suzuka.
Several sources suggest the decision is already made. Tsunoda is expected to drive the RB21 alongside Max Verstappen at his home race in Japan. He was even reportedly called to Red Bull’s headquarters this week for a last-minute meeting — a sign that something serious is in motion.
Ralf Schumacher didn’t hold back:
“Lawson is out for the next race. Yuki will replace him. It’s not officially confirmed yet, but that’s what I’ve heard. Lawson will go back to Racing Bulls to regroup.”
There’s also talk that Franco Colapinto might take over Tsunoda’s seat at Racing Bulls — but that depends on whether Alpine would release him quickly, which makes the rumor shaky. Most expect Lawson to return to that seat.
Red Bull Under Fire
Schumacher didn’t mince words about Red Bull’s approach:
“It’s total chaos. The main team is underperforming, and they’re rotating drivers like it’s a game. If it were just up to Dr. Marko, this would be done already.”
He added that Red Bull’s current environment isn’t ideal for any young driver:
“You’re going up against probably the best F1 driver of this generation — in a car developed entirely around him. That’s a losing battle.”
He also warned that constantly switching drivers might do more harm than good:
“You’re destabilizing Racing Bulls, which is finally doing well. And Tsunoda? He’ll get worn out trying to match Verstappen.”
“No matter who you put in that second Red Bull, they’ll be out again in a few races. They should keep Lawson and focus on making the RB21 faster.”
His verdict?
“If I were Tsunoda’s manager, I’d tell him to say no.”
Praise for Tsunoda — But Nothing Confirmed
Christian Horner, meanwhile, has been full of praise for Tsunoda — and his teammate Isack Hadjar — following the Chinese Grand Prix.
“Yuki and especially Isack, as a rookie, have done a great job,” Horner said. “Yuki’s been a bit unlucky, especially with strategy in Melbourne and a front wing issue in Shanghai.”
But when asked if Tsunoda could be Red Bull’s next main team driver, Horner was cautious:
“I won’t comment on any potential changes — that would make headlines. We’ve only had two races this season. We’ll review everything carefully at the factory and decide what’s best for Liam.”
What is clear, though, is that Red Bull needs a stronger second driver.
“The Constructors’ Championship is a tough fight. We need two cars scoring points — last year showed how much we lost out when only Max was delivering.”
Red Bull wants results, fast. But is putting Tsunoda in Verstappen’s car really the answer — or just another chapter in a growing driver drama?
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