Liam Lawson’s Promotion at Red Bull: Was It the Right Choice?

The Formula 1 world is always full of surprises, and one of the most talked-about decisions in the 2024 season has been the promotion of Liam Lawson to the second seat at Red Bull Racing. This move came after a significant argument within the Austrian team, following their choices for the future of the team’s driver lineup. The decision sparked debates, with many questioning if Red Bull made the right call in passing over the Japanese driver, Yuki Tsunoda, in favor of the New Zealand rookie. As the Formula 1 world looks toward the 2025 season, it’s a pivotal moment for both drivers, with implications for Red Bull, Lawson, and Tsunoda’s futures. The questions arise: did Red Bull make the right choice, and what’s next for the drivers caught in this complex web?

Red Bull’s Need for Stability and Performance

Red Bull Racing entered the 2024 season with an almost unbeatable combination in Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, and Sergio Pérez, who had delivered solid results in the past. However, things didn’t go according to plan. By mid-season, Red Bull’s performance was under threat, with McLaren and Ferrari starting to pick up pace and challenge them for supremacy in the team championship standings. The situation became a problem for Red Bull’s management, who needed a strong second driver, not one who would finish 8th in the driver rankings or cost them significant money in repairs.

In this context, the decision to promote Liam Lawson made sense. Despite his relatively brief F1 experience, Lawson had proven himself in the 11 races he did with the team in 2024. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, cited Lawson’s strong race pace, mental strength, and good work ethic as the key reasons for his promotion. Red Bull’s technical staff also noted Lawson’s progress, which helped them believe that the 22-year-old could be the driver who would help the team maintain its competitive edge against rising challenges.

Lawson’s Quick Rise to Prominence

Liam Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull Racing’s second seat for 2025 is a remarkable achievement. With only 11 races under his belt, Lawson’s path to Formula 1 seemed almost like a dream. From his early days in karting, he worked relentlessly toward this moment, and his passion for racing shone through in his statements after the announcement. Lawson expressed his gratitude to Red Bull for the opportunity, acknowledging the significance of the moment and how it fulfilled a lifelong dream.

Lawson’s quick rise was fueled by his consistent performance during his 2024 races, where he showcased impressive racecraft and adaptability. It wasn’t just the race results but his mental toughness, a trait often overlooked in F1 drivers. His ability to keep his cool, maintain focus, and handle pressure made him a clear choice for Red Bull’s management.

“Being announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is something I’ve dreamed about my whole life,” Lawson said, reflecting on the moment. This mindset of a determined, focused rookie is what Red Bull needs next to Verstappen, especially when the pressure to perform is immense.

Why Red Bull Chose Lawson Over Tsunoda

One of the main talking points of this decision was the exclusion of Yuki Tsunoda from the Red Bull Racing seat. Tsunoda has been a part of the Red Bull family for several years, with ample experience in F1, having raced for AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s sister team. Many expected that Tsunoda, with his four years of F1 experience, would be promoted to Red Bull Racing. However, Red Bull chose Lawson, despite Tsunoda’s more established career.

Christian Horner explained that Tsunoda’s performance was indeed strong, and the decision between Lawson and Tsunoda was close. Tsunoda’s speed, particularly in tire testing, had impressed engineers, but Lawson’s race results stood out more. Lawson’s qualifying speed was also noted to be very close to Tsunoda’s, but his race pace was considered a tad better. Additionally, Red Bull’s management believed that Lawson’s potential, given his limited experience, would only improve over time, making him the more promising option.

However, there’s more to the story than just performance. Tsunoda has long struggled with his temperament, which has occasionally caused issues on the track, contributing to inconsistent performances. This temper, coupled with a history of frustrations with Red Bull’s decision-making, might have played a role in the decision to bypass him for the top seat.

Tsunoda’s Reaction and Future Prospects

For Tsunoda, the decision was likely a painful blow. He had hoped for a promotion to Red Bull Racing, having been with the team for several years. His consistent work with AlphaTauri, often in less-than-ideal conditions, made him a respected figure in the paddock. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, such as his tire test performance, Tsunoda’s inability to break through Red Bull’s glass ceiling means that he now faces a crossroads in his career.

While Red Bull has stated that Tsunoda will remain part of the family and serve as a backup driver for 2025, Tsunoda’s future looks uncertain. He is now focusing his efforts on proving himself elsewhere. There’s talk that he could move to Aston Martin in 2026, especially with the significant changes in Formula 1’s regulations, which will see a focus on new engine and battery technologies. The potential partnership between Tsunoda and Aston Martin could provide a much-needed opportunity for the Japanese driver to prove his worth at a top team. With Fernando Alonso’s career winding down, there could be room for a fresh face, like Tsunoda, to step into a more prominent role.

Tsunoda has expressed his dissatisfaction with Red Bull’s treatment of him and has made it clear that he intends to prove them wrong. He has a chip on his shoulder, one that could serve as motivation as he looks for a seat with another team in the future.

Lawson vs. Tsunoda: What Happens Next?

Looking ahead, the rivalry between Lawson and Tsunoda could become one of the most interesting storylines in F1. Tsunoda’s frustration with Red Bull will undoubtedly fuel his desire to outperform Lawson, who now finds himself in the most challenging seat in Formula 1 — alongside Max Verstappen. To compete with Verstappen will be a tough task for any driver, especially one as green as Lawson. Christian Horner, however, is confident that Lawson’s mental strength will help him handle the pressure, adding that Lawson should focus on his development and avoid putting too much pressure on himself.

For Lawson, the 2025 season will be a baptism of fire. Racing alongside Verstappen will be a significant challenge, especially as the team’s car setup fluctuates throughout the year. Yet, Lawson’s determination and calm under pressure could work to his advantage as he tries to carve out a space for himself as a legitimate contender in F1.

What Does the Future Hold?

The key question now is whether Lawson will be the driver Red Bull needs to maintain its position at the top of the Formula 1 pyramid. Can he rise to the challenge of racing against Verstappen and perform under the intense scrutiny that comes with being part of the most successful team in F1? And what of Tsunoda? Will he find redemption in another team, such as Aston Martin, or will he remain stuck in the shadow of Red Bull’s decision-making?

Both drivers have their paths laid out in front of them, and their careers may diverge in significant ways. For Tsunoda, the coming years could be about redemption, proving that Red Bull was wrong to overlook him. For Lawson, the challenge will be not just keeping up with Verstappen but also making a name for himself as a future contender for the title in his own right.

In the end, this could be a pivotal year for both Lawson and Tsunoda. For one, it’s a chance to prove his worth in the most coveted seat in F1. For the other, it’s an opportunity to prove Red Bull’s decision was a mistake. The 2025 season could ultimately decide who will rise to prominence in the world of Formula 1.