
In a recent interview, former Haas team principal Günther Steiner has expressed his opinion on Red Bull’s decision to choose Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s teammate following Sergio Perez’s ousting from the team. The move has sparked discussions among fans and pundits, especially considering Lawson’s lack of full-time Formula 1 experience. Steiner believes that Red Bull made a mistake in selecting Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda, arguing that the Japanese driver deserved at least a trial period with the team.
Red Bull’s decision to replace Perez and opt for Lawson, despite his limited experience, has drawn a lot of attention. Lawson has only participated in 11 races with the Red Bull Racing team in the past two years, which raises the question: is this a risky choice for the team, or is there more to the decision than meets the eye?
Red Bull’s Decision: Choosing Lawson Over Tsunoda
The decision by Red Bull to go with Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda has become one of the hot topics in Formula 1. Lawson’s promotion to the full-time driver’s seat has come despite his limited experience in Formula 1. While he has made appearances in 11 races with Red Bull Racing, this is a far cry from Tsunoda’s years of experience in the sport.
Tsunoda, who is entering his fifth season in Formula 1, will return to the Red Bull reserve driver role for 2025, continuing to race with AlphaTauri. This decision has raised eyebrows within the F1 community, particularly among those who feel that Tsunoda should have been given more of a chance to prove himself in a top-tier team like Red Bull.
Günther Steiner, the former boss of Haas F1, has made it clear that he does not believe Tsunoda is “entitled” to a Red Bull seat, but he does feel that the Japanese driver deserves a fair chance to show what he can do in a top car. Steiner’s comments have sparked debate among F1 fans and insiders, with many agreeing that Tsunoda’s experience and consistency could have warranted a trial period with Red Bull.
Steiner’s Perspective: Tsunoda Deserved a Trial Period
Günther Steiner’s perspective on the Red Bull decision is clear: he believes Yuki Tsunoda deserved at least a trial period with the team. Steiner acknowledges that F1 is a tough environment where drivers do not “deserve” anything, but he still feels that it would have been more logical for Red Bull to give Tsunoda an opportunity to prove himself in a full-time seat.
“Yuki should have been given a chance,” Steiner told GPblog. “I’m not saying ‘Yuki deserved it,’ because in my opinion, you don’t deserve anything in F1. But it would have been more logical to put him in the car and see how he performs. If it turns out he’s not good enough, they could have parted ways.”
Steiner’s comments reflect a deeper understanding of the pressure and challenges that F1 drivers face, particularly those trying to secure a spot in one of the most competitive teams in the sport. While Lawson may have shown potential, Steiner believes that Tsunoda’s years of experience with AlphaTauri and his consistency should have been enough for Red Bull to give him a shot in the main team.
The Logic Behind Red Bull’s Decision
Despite Steiner’s reservations, Red Bull’s decision to go with Liam Lawson as Verstappen’s teammate is not entirely without logic. Lawson, who impressed in his appearances with the team, has shown a level of potential that Red Bull may see as worth investing in for the long term. In a sport where performance is paramount, Red Bull may believe that Lawson has what it takes to challenge Verstappen and complement his driving style.
Moreover, Red Bull has always been known for their willingness to take risks with young, talented drivers. The team has successfully nurtured many young drivers in the past, such as Verstappen, who was promoted to the main team at just 17 years old. Red Bull may believe that Lawson is the next in line to make a similar breakthrough, and they are taking a chance on his potential to deliver in the future.
While Tsunoda’s experience is undeniable, Red Bull may feel that Lawson offers a fresh perspective and a new dynamic within the team, which could be key in helping them maintain their dominance in Formula 1. The decision to choose Lawson over Tsunoda could be seen as an investment in a driver who is still learning but has shown enough promise to warrant a full-time role with the team.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Position: A Return to the Red Bull Reserves

For Yuki Tsunoda, the decision to remain in the Red Bull reserves for 2025 is undoubtedly a blow. Having been a part of the Red Bull family for several years, Tsunoda would have hoped for a chance to race in a top team, especially considering his experience with AlphaTauri. However, with Lawson being chosen over him, Tsunoda will now focus on his continued development with AlphaTauri, where he has been a solid performer in recent seasons.
While Tsunoda will likely be disappointed by the decision, he remains an important part of the Red Bull organization. As a reserve driver, he will have the opportunity to step in if needed, and he will continue to work closely with the team to improve his skills. His goal will be to impress in the future, potentially securing a spot with one of the top teams when the opportunity arises.
The Impact on Lawson: High Expectations and Pressure

For Liam Lawson, the move to a full-time Red Bull seat brings with it high expectations and pressure. While the New Zealander has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited time with the team, stepping into a full-time seat alongside Max Verstappen is a significant challenge. Verstappen has firmly established himself as one of the best drivers in the world, and Lawson will need to adapt quickly to the intense competition within the team.
Red Bull’s decision to place Lawson in the seat has already drawn mixed reactions, with some fans and pundits questioning whether he is ready for the responsibility. The pressure to perform alongside Verstappen will be immense, and Lawson will need to prove that he can deliver the results that Red Bull expects.
However, with the guidance of the Red Bull team and the opportunity to race in one of the most competitive teams in F1, Lawson has the potential to develop into a top-level driver. If he can rise to the occasion and show his capabilities, he could become a key player in Red Bull’s future plans.
Conclusion: A Risky Yet Logical Decision for Red Bull
In the end, Red Bull’s decision to choose Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda is a risky yet potentially rewarding one. While Tsunoda’s experience and consistency could have warranted a shot at the main team, Red Bull has opted to invest in Lawson’s future potential. The choice reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent and staying at the forefront of Formula 1 innovation.
For Tsunoda, the decision may be a setback, but he remains a valuable asset to Red Bull, and his time may come again in the future. For Lawson, the real work begins now as he prepares to race alongside Max Verstappen in what will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched partnerships in Formula 1. Whether Red Bull’s decision proves to be the right one will only be revealed in time, but for now, the team is betting on the future of Liam Lawson.
