At the recent Chinese Grand Prix, Liam Lawson finished in twelfth place, leaving him without any points for Red Bull this year – he had to retire from the opening race in Melbourne due to a crash. Experts are speculating that Lawson could be replaced prematurely by former teammate and Racing Bulls veteran Yuki Tsunoda. However, the New Zealander is not intimidated by his Japanese rival.
Yuki Tsunoda, who had a chance at scoring points in China until his front wing was damaged in the final stages, previously indicated that he is ready for a promotion to Red Bull. “I could go to Red Bull one hundred percent,” he told the media in Shanghai. “Even as early as the Japanese Grand Prix. That car is faster, so why not?” Lawson, who was later confronted with Tsunoda’s statements, was not impressed.
“He can say what he wants,” responded the 23-year-old driver. “I’ve raced against him for years and always beat him in the junior classes. I’ve managed to do that in Formula 1 as well.” In an interview with The Telegraph, Lawson further addressed the rumors that he could be replaced prematurely by Tsunoda. Would he show sympathy for his former teammate? “Honestly, no,” responded the Red Bull driver. “That doesn’t work in this sport.”
Lawson versus Tsunoda
“Looking back at our careers, I’ve beaten him in Formula 3,” Lawson added. “In Euroformula, we were also teammates and I beat him again. And when I look at the previous Formula 1 season and how often he was promoted over me, I think he’s had enough chances. Now it’s my turn.”
Lawson and Tsunoda have regularly raced against each other since 2019, although the New Zealander was not always the superior driver. In the Euroformula championship of that year, Lawson finished in second place, two spots above the Japanese driver. However, in the Formula 3 championship of that year, Tsunoda finished higher than his future teammate. In 2021, he moved up to Formula 1 with the then AlphaTauri, while Lawson became a reserve driver. During the eleven Grands Prix that both drivers raced together for the sister team, Tsunoda relied on his years of experience. Only once did he qualify behind Lawson.
