Just two races into the Formula 1 season, speculation is already swirling around the Red Bull second driver seat. Liam Lawson is under pressure after a challenging start, leading to discussions about a potential swap with Racing Bulls` Yuki Tsunoda as early as the Japanese Grand Prix.
This speculation and the broader question of Red Bull`s driver decisions were key talking points on The F1 Show. Experts Simon Lazenby, Ted Kravitz, and Bernie Collins analyzed the situation following the Chinese Grand Prix.
Key Discussion Points:
- Red Bull considering Liam Lawson-Yuki Tsunoda swap
Bernie Collins commented on Lawson`s performance relative to Verstappen, noting significant time differences in qualifying. She highlighted that being seven-tenths slower in Q1 places drivers at opposite ends of the grid.
Collins emphasized Verstappen`s exceptional ability to maximize the car`s potential, consistently delivering top performances and minimizing mistakes. She pointed to Christian Horner`s interview where he mentioned the car development direction being influenced by Verstappen, resulting in a car that is demanding to drive and not easily mastered by others.
Collins questioned whether Red Bull could shift away from this development path and address the ongoing challenge of their second driver`s seat.
This week`s episode of The F1 Show also covered Hamilton`s Sprint victory, Ferrari`s disqualifications, Piastri`s strong result, potential McLaren team rivalry, Mercedes` current form, and fan questions.
Despite Lawson`s lack of experience at both Albert Park and the Shanghai circuit, and Verstappen`s own comments about the 2025 Red Bull being tricky, Lawson acknowledged the need to quickly improve his performance.
Ted Kravitz argued for giving Lawson more time, especially considering Lawson`s familiarity with the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix circuit, Suzuka. He noted Lawson`s previous experience at Suzuka in both F1 and Super Formula, contrasting it with his debut races in Australia and China, the latter being a particularly challenging track.
Collins reiterated her point about insufficient testing for Lawson in older Red Bull machinery before his promotion. She suggested a potentially different approach to driver selection, considering driving styles that better suit the car`s characteristics.
Collins proposed that Red Bull should have evaluated young drivers based on their adaptability to a `forward aero balance` car, which she believes is the Red Bull`s defining characteristic, contrasting with the Racing Bulls car. She even suggested a test where drivers would be evaluated in an older Red Bull to gauge their performance in that specific type of car. Collins used Alex Albon as an example of a driver who struggled at Red Bull but is now performing well at Williams, potentially because the Red Bull car`s characteristics did not suit him.
Collins concluded by highlighting the performance gap within Red Bull, stating that without Verstappen, the team would currently be performing as the tenth fastest.
Formula 1 is heading to the Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4-6.
Marcus Prine