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Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen teamed up with Liam Lawson to form Red Bull's driver lineup going into the 2025 season. However, just a couple of races into the season, the team made drastic changes, promoting Yuki Tsunoda and dropping Lawson to the sister team.
Liam Lawson, who had only half a year of F1 experience, struggled during his limited time in the troublesome RB21. The Kiwi driver crashed out of the first race in Australia and finished P12 in the Chinese GP before being demoted.
Verstappen believes Red Bull may have pulled the plug on Lawson a little too early.
“Two races for a teammate, I didn't agree with that at that moment, because ultimately you ruin someone's chance at a top team. I think Liam recovered nicely at Racing Bulls, because you can also think, 'Nevermind, I don't enjoy it anymore,' but two races is way too early to decide,” said Verstappen (via Viaplay).
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Sergio Perez was sacked by Red Bull after a dismal 2024 season. Despite the Mexican signing a contract extension midway through the 2024 season, by the end of the year, Checo was left without a seat for 2025.
Red Bull then had the headache of choosing a driver to partner Verstappen. Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda were under consideration and the Milton Keynes-based team ultimately decided to hand the keys to the Kiwi.
When Helmut Marko detailed that Max Verstappen was frustrated with Liam Lawson’s demotion
When Liam Lawson was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda just two races into the 2025 season, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko revealed that Max Verstappen wasn't happy with the change.
“We know Max is not happy. But we need two cars at the front. Not only for the constructors' championship, but also to help Max get his fifth world title,” said Marko via De Telegraaf.
Unfortunately for Red Bull, Tsunoda wasn't able to do much better than Lawson, finishing the season with just 33 points. The Kiwi driver, on the other hand, scored 38 points for the Racing Bulls.
Red Bull has confirmed its lineup for next season, with Isack Hadjar promoted to partner Verstappen. Liam Lawson will partner with F2 sensation Arvid Lindblad for Racing Bulls, with Yuki Tsunoda serving as the reserve driver.
