Lawson and Tsunoda Share Common Ground on Red Bull Future Amid 'Crazy' Question

Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda both agree that their only focus is to "extract everything" and "maximise" every race weekend, regardless of when Red Bull decides on their Formula 1 futures. Both drivers are currently vying for a contract extension with the Milton Keynes-Faenza squad, but it's becoming increasingly clear that only one will secure a seat for the upcoming season.

Why it matters:

The intense competition between Lawson and Tsunoda highlights the high stakes within Red Bull's driver development program. With talent emerging from their junior ranks, the decision on who fills the Racing Bulls seats could significantly impact both drivers' careers and shape the team's competitiveness for 2025. This decision reflects Red Bull's long-term strategy in managing its driver pool.

The Details:

• Uncertain Futures: Both drivers are currently without confirmed seats for next season, putting immense pressure on their performance in the remaining races.
• Intense Competition: Emerging talents like Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad are also in contention, potentially pushing Tsunoda out of a Red Bull seat and forcing a direct battle between Tsunoda and Lawson for the remaining spot at Racing Bulls.
• Decision Delay: Helmut Marko previously indicated a decision would come after the Mexico City Grand Prix, but Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has now stated there is "no rush." This delay aims to give drivers more time to prove themselves, but it also prolongs the uncertainty.
• Driver Stance: When asked if they preferred a quick decision or one after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, both drivers downplayed the impact on their approach.
  • Lawson's View: The New Zealander admits he hasn't specifically thought about it but believes a clearer decision might be better. Crucially, he emphasized that the uncertainty "doesn't really change how we approach each weekend" and that his focus remains on "extracting everything out of each weekend."
  • Tsunoda's View: The 25-year-old, with five years in the Red Bull family, called the question "crazy" but stated he knows "how it works here." He highlighted his experience in similar situations annually, affirming his commitment to "keep proving myself and maximise the opportunity." His "only focus" is delivering his best on track.

The Big Picture:

Red Bull's methodical approach to driver selection reflects its commitment to identifying and nurturing top talent. The delay in the decision allows for more data collection, ensuring that the chosen drivers are the best fit for their F1 aspirations. However, this prolonged uncertainty creates a high-pressure environment for both Lawson and Tsunoda, pushing them to perform at their absolute peak in every session.

What's next:

With no immediate decision expected, both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda will continue to race under intense scrutiny. Their performances in the final rounds of the season will be crucial in making their case for a 2025 seat. The ultimate decision will be a testament to Red Bull's confidence in their potential and ability to deliver consistently at the highest level of motorsport.