In the ever-evolving world of Formula 1, fortunes can shift at a rapid pace, as Liam Lawson has recently discovered. The young driver from New Zealand found himself unexpectedly reassigned from the prestigious Red Bull team to Racing Bulls following an underwhelming start to the season, marked by two disappointing races in Australia and China. During the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix, Lawson qualified in 18th place but failed to finish the race due to a crash. In China, his struggle continued with last place qualifications for both the sprint race and the main event, eventually finishing the races in 14th and 12th positions, respectively.
In a surprising twist, Yuki Tsunoda, a Japanese driver who was initially overlooked for promotion when Lawson was chosen for the top team, has been brought in to replace him. Ahead of Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, Lawson addressed the media, expressing uncertainty about the possibility of returning to the top team. “Yeah, I guess that’s part of the conversation,” Lawson mentioned, with a tone hinting that another promotion may not be on the horizon. Meanwhile, Tsunoda faces his own set of challenges, tasked with the responsibility of performing alongside four-time defending champion Max Verstappen.
“Whatever happens down the line is more or less out of my control,” Lawson reflected. “What I can control is the driving stuff — and to prove that. Where the future is at this point, I don’t think about it too much.” He attributed part of his difficulties in the opening races to the unfamiliarity with the circuits, hoping to make a more favorable impression at Suzuka, a track where he competed in 2023.
Discussing his abrupt reassignment, Lawson confessed, “I was more surprised. It’s very early in the season, and I was hoping to go to a track that I’d raced before and have a chance.” Ironically, Suzuka could prove advantageous for Tsunoda, who is now in his fifth Formula 1 season and has extensive experience on the Japanese circuit. “For Yuki, obviously it’s a great opportunity and on a track that he’s done a lot,” Lawson commented. “He’ll — I’m sure — probably be more comfortable.”
The media event on Thursday saw both drivers being made available for press interviews, albeit in separate sessions, with Tsunoda taking the stage after Lawson. Reflecting on the timeline of events, Lawson shared that he learned of his new assignment shortly after the Chinese Grand Prix, recognizing the decision as largely finalized when communicated. “It was more of a done deal,” Lawson noted.
Despite the unexpected change, Lawson feels optimistic about quickly adapting to the Racing Bulls team, leveraging the experience from his previous 11 Formula 1 races, plus the two this season. “I won’t fully know until I drive,” he admitted. “I feel confident. I don’t think too much has changed from last year.”