Red Bull ANGER revealed in key F1 driver replacement…read more
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s Formula 1 advisor, has made a surprising revelation regarding the team’s driver lineup changes. Marko has been with Red Bull since the team entered Formula 1 in 2005 and has played a crucial role in shaping the squad’s driver decisions over the years. However, following a disappointing 2024 season, where Red Bull finished third in the Constructors’ Championship despite Max Verstappen securing his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title, significant changes have been made to the team’s driver lineup.
The main reason for Red Bull’s drop in the standings was the underperformance of Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez. Perez struggled throughout the season, which led to his replacement for 2025. Red Bull has decided to promote Liam Lawson, who has been part of their junior team, Visa Cash App RB, to the main team. Lawson, despite having only participated in six Grand Prix sessions in 2024 after replacing Daniel Ricciardo, will now team up with Verstappen. This decision is surprising, especially considering that Lawson’s teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, consistently outperformed him during their time together in the junior team.
Marko has acknowledged Tsunoda’s talent and speed, calling him the ‘spearhead’ of Red Bull’s junior program. However, he noted that Tsunoda’s inconsistency and tendency to make mistakes have hindered his progression to the main team. Marko explained that while Tsunoda is faster than Lawson, his performances are often marred by errors. Additionally, Tsunoda’s emotional outbursts, although improved, remain a concern. Marko admitted that Tsunoda struggles with maintaining control, both in terms of consistency and handling his emotions, which could have influenced Red Bull’s decision to favor Lawson for the promotion.
While Tsunoda has proven his speed on multiple occasions, Marko’s comments suggest that Red Bull values consistency and emotional control just as much as raw talent. Tsunoda’s inability to maintain a high level of performance without significant mistakes and his occasional loss of composure have ultimately worked against him in securing a seat with the main team. This marks a major shift for Red Bull as they opt for a younger and potentially more stable driver, Lawson, over the more experienced Tsunoda, for the upcoming 2025 season.
