Liam Lawson is definitively sidelined by Red Bull Racing after just two races. From the Japanese Grand Prix onwards, Yuki Tsunoda is Max Verstappen’s new teammate.
Liam Lawson is definitively sidelined by Red Bull Racing after just two races. From the Japanese Grand Prix onwards, Yuki Tsunoda is Max Verstappen’s new teammate.
I wouldn’t say “definitively”. Yuki could still get swapped back out, or with Hadjar even. Hell, they’ve already asked FIA for special exception for Lindblad to race before he’s 18. This is just an A-B test to see if the problem is Liam, the car or both. If Yuki struggles too they’ll know it’s a car problem. If Liam still struggles in the VCARB they’ll know it’s a Liam problem.
Yeah they have a lot of experience with drivers who aren’t confident in that car. Leaving them in that seat won’t improve the situation. We’ve seen it with Albon, Gasly and Perez. Might as well give Yuki a chance now Lawson’s confidence in the car is at rock bottom.
Thing is, they know it’s a car problem.
The car isn’t built for Max, but Max is a good enough driver to wrestle it. Albon has said it’s like using a computer with the mouse speed all the way up (referring to steering) and it makes you tense; overdo it even slightly and it gets away from you.
This ain’t a Lawson problem. Red Bull is just rolling the dice hoping to find someone else why can handle a car as twitchy as theirs; and they are flailing.