In a dramatic turn of events following the Chinese Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing has confirmed an emergency meeting at their Milton Keynes headquarters to discuss the future of their second driver, Liam Lawson. This development comes amid mounting pressure on the team, which is reportedly considering a sudden switch to Yuki Tsunoda, raising concerns about internal dynamics and performance.

The Situation with Liam Lawson

Liam Lawson, the New Zealand driver who stepped up to fill the seat left vacant by Sergio Perez, has faced significant challenges in the early stages of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite being regarded as a promising talent, Lawson has struggled to adapt to the RB21, a situation compounded by the unfamiliarity of the circuits early in the season. After three races, he has yet to score any points and has been eliminated in Q1 consistently, unable to match the pace of teammate Max Verstappen.

The Chinese Grand Prix was particularly telling, as Lawson’s performance continued to falter.

Red Bull opted to withdraw his car from Park Ferme, starting him from the pit lane in hopes of improving his race performance. Unfortunately, this strategy did not yield the desired results. Lawson’s race ended in disappointment, echoing his earlier misfortunes in Australia where he crashed out during a rainstorm.

As Red Bull’s second driver, Lawson is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s constructor championship aspirations, but early indications suggest he has fallen short of these expectations. Following the race, Red Bull’s Motorsport Adviser Helmut Marko expressed concern over Lawson’s form, emphasizing the urgency of the upcoming meeting to evaluate the situation.

Max Verstappen Weighs In

Amid these developments, reigning champion Max Verstappen has publicly addressed the ongoing driver controversy and the overall performance of the RB21. Verstappen, who is navigating his own challenges in the pursuit of a fifth consecutive World Championship, has observed a noticeable drop in the team’s performance compared to previous seasons. After finishing second in Melbourne and fourth in China, Verstappen’s comments highlight a growing concern regarding Red Bull’s ability to maintain its competitive edge against rivals like McLaren and Ferrari.

In the latter stages of the Chinese Grand Prix, Verstappen did manage to improve his pace, overtaking Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari. He noted that while the team had struggled with tire balance, his performance in the latter part of the race offered some optimism. However, he also acknowledged that the team needs to analyze their performance critically and make necessary adjustments moving forward.

The Pressure Mounts

As the season progresses, the pressure on Lawson intensifies. After the Chinese Grand Prix, he candidly expressed his frustrations regarding his struggles, stating, “It’s safe to say that we’re not happy. I don’t know what more you want me to say.” Lawson admits that he is still learning to find the limits of the car, a feat that Verstappen has mastered.

With Red Bull’s ambitions clear, they require a second driver who can not only score points but also provide support to Verstappen in their championship challenge. Time is not on Lawson’s side as speculation about a potential switch to Tsunoda grows. The seasoned driver has demonstrated strong performances this season, making him an attractive alternative for the team.

Speculations and Future Prospects

The potential driver swap has reignited discussions about Verstappen’s long-term future with Red Bull. Last season, whispers regarding his possible departure began to circulate as the team’s performance began to wane. With a performance-related clause in his contract, the speculation is not entirely unfounded. However, Verstappen remains unfazed by the noise, expressing confidence in his commitment to the team and its recovery project.

“Liam is a very talented driver, but Formula 1 is a tough sport,” Verstappen remarked, acknowledging the complexities of the situation. “Yuki has more experience, and maybe the team feels that’s what they need right now.” This balanced perspective underscores the harsh realities of the sport, where performance is paramount and decisions are made quickly.