In a surprising twist that shook the Formula 1 community, Red Bull’s decision to demote Liam Lawson has drawn significant criticism, most notably from former F1 presenter and current IndyCar commentator, Will Buxton.
After witnessing only two race weekends with Red Bull, Liam Lawson was swiftly moved back to Racing Bulls, making room for Yuki Tsunoda. This decision came on the heels of Lawson’s performance at the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix, where he failed to score a point or advance beyond the initial qualifying rounds. Speculation was rampant about Lawson’s potential exit ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, and Red Bull confirmed these rumors by announcing the swap.
Team principal Christian Horner justified the decision by citing a ‘duty of care’ towards Lawson, emphasizing that the challenging experience in the RB21 warranted a shift back to a familiar environment. Horner stated, ‘It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races, and as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.’ The team aims to retain key championships this season, and reassigning Lawson was deemed a strategic move to protect and nurture his career.
However, Buxton was not convinced by Horner’s explanation. Through social media, he condemned Red Bull’s decision, calling it a ‘new low’ for a team known for making tough calls regarding its drivers. Buxton pointed out the irony in Red Bull’s ‘duty of care’ claim, stating, ‘They’ve played fast and loose with driver careers for decades, but this is a new low. Two races is insane.’
Meanwhile, Tsunoda, who had been racing alongside rookie Isack Hadjar, now steps up to the main team to race in front of his home fans. Despite being overlooked for promotion several times in the past, Tsunoda’s advancement has been met with enthusiasm and support from Racing Bulls. The team expressed confidence in Tsunoda’s talent and potential to excel at Red Bull, acknowledging his hard work and progress in recent years.
Laurent Mekies, the team principal at Racing Bulls, expressed excitement about Lawson’s return, emphasizing the team’s commitment to providing him with an optimal environment to maximize his abilities. He affirmed, ‘He fit in so well last year, and we cannot wait to challenge ourselves and grow as a team.’ Mekies also praised Tsunoda, highlighting his energy and positivity as invaluable to the team’s morale.
This scenario sheds light on the relentless nature of Formula 1, where even promising talents must quickly adapt or risk being sidelined. As Lawson returns to Racing Bulls, the motorsport community watches closely to see how he navigates this setback and whether Tsunoda can capitalize on his long-awaited opportunity.
The rapid change at Red Bull underscores the intense pressure in Formula 1 to perform at the highest level. While Tsunoda embarks on a fresh chapter, Lawson’s journey continues as he aims to develop further and prove his worth in the demanding world of racing.
