Yuki Tsunoda has finally been given the opportunity to drive for the main Red Bull Racing team after spending four full seasons and participating in two races with their junior team. However, this new challenge has come with its own set of difficulties, as Tsunoda has yet to deliver standout performances. He finished 12th in Japan, earned only two points in Bahrain, and encountered a first-lap crash in Jeddah. These results are far from what is expected of a Red Bull driver. Nevertheless, Tsunoda has demonstrated more potential than Liam Lawson, his predecessor, by avoiding early eliminations in qualifying and making it to Q3 on two occasions.
This raises the question: did Red Bull make the right decision in replacing Lawson with Tsunoda? We turned to a panel of experts to share their insights.
### A Promising Start That Requires Patience
When Helmut Marko was asked about Tsunoda’s performance so far, he described it as “positive,” but emphasized the need for Tsunoda to excel under pressure in Q3. While Tsunoda’s recent Q3 performance in Jeddah wasn’t ideal, the fact that he qualified for Q3 in back-to-back weekends is significant, especially considering that it marks the first time in over six months that a driver in the second Red Bull has achieved this.
Tsunoda’s presence on the track also benefited his teammate Max Verstappen, as he was able to provide a tow that helped Verstappen secure pole position. This kind of support is crucial for the Red Bull team, especially since they are not in contention for the constructors’ championship this year. Any assistance Tsunoda can offer Verstappen in his pursuit of a fifth consecutive drivers’ title is appreciated by both Marko and team principal Christian Horner.
Going forward, Tsunoda needs to maintain his trajectory: making it to Q3, scoring consistent points, and contributing to the team’s goals. However, there is a danger that his competitive nature could lead him to overdrive the car, especially as he tries to close the gap to Verstappen. If Tsunoda can manage his emotions, it could validate Red Bull’s decision to promote him, despite the harsh treatment of Lawson.
### The Right Choice—But Timing Matters
Red Bull has faced ongoing challenges in finding the ideal teammate for Verstappen. The decision to promote Tsunoda to the second RB21 seems to be a step in the right direction. Tsunoda has gained valuable experience during his time with the junior team and is now more equipped to handle the pressures associated with racing for Red Bull. His recent Q3 appearances suggest he is beginning to find his footing with the car, and as he improves, he should be better positioned to contribute points to the team.
The real error occurred in December when Marko and Horner opted to elevate Lawson despite his lack of experience in a full Formula 1 season. This decision left Lawson vulnerable and resulted in a disappointing start to his time with the team.
Red Bull has been searching for a new driver who can replicate Verstappen’s success, but in doing so, they have risked overlooking drivers who, under different circumstances, could have thrived in the sport.
### Hurdles and Opportunities for Improvement
Tsunoda’s initial outings with Red Bull have sparked hope, yet results have not fully reflected that potential. After scoring points in Bahrain, his race in Jeddah ended abruptly, which was unfortunate timing as he aimed to establish himself as the right choice for the team. Up until the third practice session in Saudi Arabia, he appeared to be closing the gap to Verstappen. However, qualifying revealed a significant disparity, with Tsunoda nearly a second slower—a margin that Red Bull typically finds unacceptable for their second driver.
Despite this, qualifying in the top ten placed him in a good position for the race, allowing him to continue justifying his promotion. Tsunoda’s circumstances are somewhat fortuitous; Lawson has not proven himself worthy of his position either, with Isack Hadjar consistently outperforming him, creating another potential candidate for Red Bull to consider.
Moreover, it is unlikely that Red Bull will make another driver change within the same year, which benefits Tsunoda. He has 19 races ahead of him, providing ample time to refine his skills and demonstrate his capabilities—much more than Lawson was afforded. However, it is worth noting that Tsunoda has only managed to score two more points than Lawson, despite having raced in one additional event. This is not the level of contribution that Red Bull desires as they aim for the drivers’ championship with Verstappen and seek to avoid slipping in the constructors’ standings.
### Navigating Pressure and Expectations
Tsunoda’s early performance with Red Bull has not been impressive, but several factors could explain this. He was thrust into a challenging role just before a series of back-to-back races, which is certainly a daunting scenario for any driver.
A key issue has been his qualifying performance. While he has made it to Q3 twice, he still faces a considerable gap to Verstappen and has often found himself stuck behind slower competitors during the races. Red Bull acknowledges this and has organized a test session for him prior to the Miami race to help him improve.
Tsunoda will need more time to adjust, and the cautious remarks from Red Bull leadership indicate that they want to alleviate some of the pressure off him, a burden that proved overwhelming for Lawson. Signs of progress are apparent, as Tsunoda has exhibited moments of speed during practice sessions. However, the challenge remains to consistently put together fast laps when it matters most.
With Miami being a sprint weekend, Tsunoda will have less practice time but more opportunities to showcase his skills in competitive sessions. Maximizing these moments will be crucial for him. While he stands on the brink of making strides, the clock is ticking, and the weight of expectation will only grow as he seeks to solidify his position within the team.
