Max Verstappen has recently shared his insights regarding the ongoing situation at Red Bull Racing, particularly concerning the future of Liam Lawson. As the team grapples with disappointing performances from their second driver, the question arises: should Red Bull look for a replacement or focus on improving the car itself? The complexities of this decision may indicate that the team faces more significant challenges than previously understood.

The Dilemma of Liam Lawson

Liam Lawson, the Kiwi driver who stepped into Red Bull’s second seat, has had a rocky start to the 2025 season. After two poor races, culminating in a lackluster performance in China where he failed to score points, the pressure is mounting. Speculation suggests that Red Bull may consider replacing him with Yuki Tsunoda, who has shown promising results. However, the question remains: will a change in drivers lead to better outcomes for the team?

Lawson’s struggles have been evident in both qualifying and race performance. His inability to reach Q2 in a car that should be competing for top positions raises concerns. Verstappen, who is driving the RB21 to its limits, emphasizes the challenges of adapting to such a sensitive car. He points out that the discrepancies in driver performance at other teams are less pronounced, highlighting the unique difficulties posed by Red Bull’s vehicle.

Insights from Max Verstappen

Verstappen has been candid about the struggles that come with the RB21, which he describes as a “beast” that demands a high level of skill to tame. He believes that if Lawson were driving a more stable car, like the one used by his competitors, he would likely perform better. This insight casts doubt on the notion that simply swapping drivers will resolve Red Bull’s issues.

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s team principal, echoes Verstappen’s sentiments, noting that the current car’s behavior requires a driver who can find the balance between speed and control. Verstappen excels in these conditions, but the same cannot be said for Lawson, who is still learning the nuances of the car.

The Pressure on Red Bull

The situation has created a sense of urgency within Red Bull. With Verstappen expressing frustration over the team’s inclination to replace Lawson instead of addressing the car’s performance, the internal dynamics appear strained. The team’s focus should ideally be on enhancing the vehicle’s capabilities, rather than seeking a quick fix through a driver change.

Moreover, Red Bull’s ongoing struggles have led to discussions about the potential promotion of Tsunoda. However, the realities of switching drivers in a high-pressure environment like Formula 1 are complex. Tsunoda, despite his success at AlphaTauri, may face similar challenges adapting to the Red Bull setup.

Lawson’s Perspective

Lawson has been vocal about his own position, stating, “You can’t feel sympathy in this sport.” He believes that his past successes over Tsunoda in junior categories should merit his continued presence at Red Bull. The competitive nature of Formula 1 leaves little room for sympathy, and Lawson is acutely aware of the stakes involved.

As discussions around potential replacements intensify, the team must consider not only the immediate performance but also the long-term implications of their decisions. Promoting Tsunoda may not guarantee success; adapting to the RB21’s idiosyncrasies could prove challenging for any driver, regardless of their previous experience.