Yuki Tsunoda Blasts Liam Lawson and Red Bull After “Pretty Shocking” Sprint Qualifying Blunder in Austin
Yuki Tsunoda has voiced his frustration following a chaotic end to the first sprint qualifying session at the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin, directing sharp criticism at both his Red Bull team and reserve driver Liam Lawson. The Japanese driver was left furious after missing the chance to set a final flying lap, an error he described as “pretty shocking,” especially given the pressure surrounding his uncertain Formula 1 future.
During the final moments of SQ1, Tsunoda found himself in a frantic scramble to reach the start/finish line before the chequered flag. However, the timing of Red Bull’s pit exit left him buried in traffic and fighting for space. As the pack rushed through the first sector, Tsunoda attempted to overtake Lawson to gain a clear track, but the New Zealander held firm and defended aggressively, forcing Tsunoda wide.
That moment proved costly. Tsunoda failed to cross the timing line in time to begin his final flying lap, eliminating him from the session and leaving him languishing near the back of the grid for Saturday’s sprint race.
Speaking to reporters afterward, an irritated Tsunoda didn’t hold back when asked about Lawson’s actions. “It’s more like his usual driving,” he said bluntly. “I expect nothing more than that from him.”
Tsunoda’s dismissal of Lawson’s defense highlights the growing tension between the two Red Bull-affiliated drivers. Lawson, who has been pushing for a full-time race seat after impressing in previous substitute appearances, is seen as a potential threat to Tsunoda’s position within the Red Bull camp. The incident only adds to the speculation about whether the Japanese driver’s time in the Red Bull setup could be nearing an end.
Beyond his on-track clash with Lawson, Tsunoda also took aim at Red Bull’s pit wall for what he considered a glaring strategic blunder. He described the timing of the release from the garage as unacceptable, saying the team failed to properly manage the session’s final minutes.
“It’s more just the timing of the garage exit — it wasn’t even close,” Tsunoda said in disbelief. “I don’t know what happened, to be honest. Something went wrong and I didn’t even have the opportunity to do a lap time. It’s a big shame.”
The Japanese racer, known for his fiery temperament and candid post-session comments, admitted that the entire situation was “very frustrating,” particularly because the mistake was beyond his control. “It’s not in my control,” he explained. “We can control it as a team, but it’s more up to them than my side. It’s pretty shocking.”
Tsunoda will line up 18th on the grid for the sprint race, facing an uphill battle to recover and score any points in the 19-lap dash. The result comes at a critical moment for him, as speculation continues to swirl around Red Bull’s 2026 driver lineup. With Lawson waiting in the wings and Red Bull evaluating its future driver structure, Tsunoda’s need to deliver strong performances has never been greater.
The incident also reflects growing frustration within the Red Bull camp, where several strategic and operational mistakes have plagued recent weekends. For Tsunoda, the Austin sprint qualifying error couldn’t have come at a worse time.
As the paddock buzzes with talk of Red Bull’s internal dynamics, Tsunoda will be hoping to turn his frustration into a strong performance during the sprint and the main race on Sunday. But with confidence shaken and trust in the team’s timing strategy questioned, he faces a tough road ahead.
“I just need to focus on what I can control in the race,” he added. “Hopefully, we can find some pace and move forward. But it’s definitely not the start I wanted.”
The sprint race in Austin promises to be another test for Tsunoda — not only of his driving skill but of his patience, composure, and ability to prove that he deserves a long-term future in Formula 1 amid rising internal competition within the Red Bull family.
