Red Bull are starting from square one again at the Japanese Grand Prix as Yuki Tsunoda begins his career with them at his home race.
Liam Lawson’s premature demotion followed three successive failures to progress beyond Q1 at the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix as he struggled with Red Bull’s car.
His replacement has far more Formula 1 experience and should be well-positioned to extract more pace from their car. Tsunoda has been impressive for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls in 2025.
He faces a relentless Max Verstappen at the top of his game. The Dutchman is in no mood to play nice as he chases a fifth consecutive drivers’ championship.
Tsunoda ‘can’t wait’ to see Verstappen’s Red Bull data in a bid to learn from the very best in the sport. It could elevate his performance further.
Christian Horner has made a Red Bull ‘promise’ to Tsunoda, not to get in his way if he is ever in a position to beat his new teammate.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen did something after Liam Lawson’s demotion that was ‘painful’ for Red Bull, ‘makes no sense…’
Yuki Tsunoda ‘doesn’t trust’ Max Verstappen at Red Bull, it’s a ‘really bad’ start
After a poor start to the season, Verstappen is ‘extremely annoyed’ at Red Bull and has made it clear that every upgrade from now on must work.
He’s second in the standings heading into the Japanese Grand Prix, but Ralf Bach has suggested that his new teammate isn’t completely on the same wavelength.
“Yes, Verstappen would have welcomed him briefly, but also said, he doesn’t completely trust him,” he said. “So if he asked him about car data or how to interpret the data or how to set up the car, no matter what says, he would.
“It came down to the fact that he doesn’t trust him, he wouldn’t tell him the whole truth. That’s obviously a really bad basis to start from.”
Tsunoda had ‘doubts’ at his Red Bull seat fit, he doesn’t seem to have a lot of confidence or trust built up in his new team yet. It could take some time.
READ MORE: Yuki Tsunoda realised he was making a mistake in Christian Horner conversations before securing Red Bull move
Why Max Verstappen should worry about Red Bull promoting Yuki Tsunoda at the Japanese Grand Prix
Choosing to replace Lawson after two races may seem harsh, but it’s well-timed for Tsunoda given that he gets to make his debut at his home race.
Not only that, but his backers and Red Bull’s partner Honda also have big expectations for their home event. Having a Japanese driver in the car is great PR.
Verstappen should worry about Red Bull promoting Tsunoda in time for Suzuka because he has never been out-qualified by a teammate there.
It would be a damning assessment of the Dutchman and his previous teammates if Tsunoda was to rock up and beat him during the first day on the job.
It would also do his career a lot of good, elevating his position within the Formula 1 driver market ahead of the 2026 season.
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