The 2024 Formula 1 season has been a career-best for Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver silenced his critics by delivering consistent, mature performances in a challenging RB car, even outshining his more experienced teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. While Tsunoda soared, the seismic shift at Red Bull Racing came from Sergio Perez, who announced his immediate exit, leaving the coveted seat next to four-time world champion Max Verstappen vacant.

Speculation ran rampant as fans and pundits debated who would inherit one of the most prestigious yet demanding roles in motorsport. Many assumed Red Bull would reward Tsunoda’s stellar form with the promotion. Instead, the team made a bold and controversial call that sent shockwaves through the F1 community.

Lawson’s promotion sparks controversy

On Wednesday, Red Bull Racing confirmed that Liam Lawson, the 22-year-old rookie from New Zealand, will partner Max Verstappen for the 2025 season. The decision to bypass Tsunoda in favor of a driver with just 11 F1 starts under his belt left fans and insiders scratching their heads.

Lawson’s path to this opportunity has been unconventional but impressive. Stepping in mid-season as a substitute twice—first during Daniel Ricciardo’s hand injury in 2023 and again after Ricciardo’s struggles in 2024—Lawson showcased composure and tenacity. While his stats weren’t stellar (outperformed 6-0 in qualifying and 8-4 in points by Tsunoda in their shared races), his raw talent and mental toughness caught Red Bull’s eye.

“To be announced as an Oracle Red Bull Racing driver is a lifelong dream for me,” said Lawson. “This is something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old. I’m super excited to work alongside Max and learn from a World Champion.”

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner echoed the sentiment. “Liam’s performances over his two stints with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have demonstrated he’s not only capable of delivering strong results but also a real racer. Racing alongside Max is a daunting task, but I’m sure Liam can rise to the challenge,” Horner said.

However, the decision was not without its complications. Yuki Tsunoda’s performance curve—consistently improving in qualifying, race craft, and temperament—made him a serious contender. Honda, Red Bull’s outgoing power unit supplier and Tsunoda’s long-time backer, reportedly lobbied for the Japanese driver to partner Verstappen. Yet, Red Bull’s internal assessments tipped the scales in Lawson’s favor.

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, explained: “It was a very tight decision. Yuki has made significant strides this year, and his Abu Dhabi test was impressive. But Liam’s potential ceiling, his ability to handle pressure, and his performances in high-stakes situations gave him the edge.”

With Lawson promoted, Tsunoda remains with RB for another season, now partnered with Formula 2 runner-up Isack Hadjar. For Tsunoda, it’s an opportunity to consolidate his reputation and perhaps keep the door open for future top-team opportunities.

“This isn’t the end of the road for Yuki,” said Horner. “He’s shown incredible growth and has a lot to offer. With Hadjar joining, we’re excited about the synergy they can bring to the team.”

Hadjar, an exciting prospect, faces immense pressure stepping into Tsunoda’s orbit. The Frenchman has earned his place through standout F2 performances but now must navigate the cutthroat environment of Formula 1 with an experienced teammate.

The decision to promote Lawson also highlights Red Bull’s commitment to their junior driver program, following the same philosophy that propelled stars like Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen himself to early stardom. However, many argue that Tsunoda’s experience and consistency should have outweighed Lawson’s limited yet promising outings.

Fans furious over Yuki Tsunoda’s snub

Unsurprisingly, the fan reaction to Red Bull’s decision has been overwhelmingly critical. Social media exploded with commentary, with many questioning why Tsunoda—arguably in the form of his life—was overlooked.

Among calls to “Free Yuki,” many fans took to Instagram to sympathize with Tsunoda. Some fans promptly claimed “Yuki should just leave the RB system altogether at this point.” The outrage stems from Tsunoda’s journey. In his fourth F1 season, he decisively outperformed Ricciardo and Lawson in their head-to-head battles. His results this year included eight points to Lawson’s four during their shared stint. Furthermore, his radio communication—once a source of criticism—has matured significantly, showcasing his growing composure under pressure.

Fans also pointed to Honda’s impending departure from the Red Bull ecosystem. Observers noted that Honda’s support for Tsunoda could have warranted more recognition from Red Bull, especially considering their long-standing partnership. There were further questions from fans stating, “It’s gonna be interesting how a total rookie manages the pressure on a team like RB and with a teammate like Max. Ask Albon and Gasly about it…” 

Another fan sentiment worth taking into consideration is: “How Red Bull feels after putting an aggressive emotional driver in the seat who’s hardly raced as opposed to a competitor with multiple seasons under his belt.” Others drew parallels with past misfires in Red Bull’s driver lineup with Pierre Gasly in 2019 and Alex Albon right afterwards who replaced Gasly mid-rookie season but was also unceremoniously given the boot in 2020, citing the challenges of stepping into Verstappen’s shadow with limited experience.

As Lawson prepares to join Verstappen in 2025, the spotlight will only intensify. Red Bull’s decision underscores their confidence in his potential, but the pressure to deliver results will be immense. For Tsunoda, the challenge remains clear: continue to prove his worth and keep himself in contention for future opportunities. And as fans aptly pointed out: “Absolutely NO ONE wanted this.”

With Honda’s partnership shifting to Aston Martin in 2026, Tsunoda’s career trajectory may take unexpected turns. Could a move to a Honda-powered Aston Martin be in his future? For now, he’ll need to focus on maintaining his upward momentum and mentoring Hadjar through his rookie season. But it’s safe to say that fan sentiments like “Yuki robbed” and “So sad for Yuki :(” will remain until Lawson contributes more.

The 2025 F1 season promises to be one of high drama, fierce competition, and compelling storylines. Whether Red Bull’s gamble on Lawson pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the fight for supremacy, both on and off the track, is far from over.