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Red Bull Replaces Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda After Just Two Races - Is the Second Seat Cursed?
After just two rounds of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Liam is out and Yuki is in.
While the headlines focus on Liam, the real question hangs over Red Bull’s garage:
Will they ever find a second driver who can compete at Max Verstappen’s level?
Because if they can’t, their championship fight may be deteriorating faster than we think.
Two Races, No Mercy
Liam Lawson now holds the unenviable title of being the fastest-dropped second driver in Red Bull history. His qualifying results - P18 in Australia, P20 in Shanghai - were underwhelming, but Red Bull didn’t leave him stranded.
In Shanghai, they made a calculated move: Lawson started from the pit lane so the team could adjust the setup under FIA rules. The goal? Make the car more balanced, easier to drive - maybe even more compatible with Liam’s style.
Instead, it made the car slower. And that likely sealed his fate.
Red Bull can’t afford to experiment. With McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes storming ahead every weekend, they need a second driver who can extract performance from the current package as-is - someone whose driving style complements Verstappen’s. There’s no time left for trial and error.
The Second Seat Strikes Again
Lawson now joins the long list of talented drivers - Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Pérez - who have struggled to survive in Red Bull’s second seat. It’s not just about talent; it’s about chemistry with a car built around Max’s aggressive, precise driving style.
Liam didn’t fail because he wasn’t good enough - he failed because this system demands instant compatibility, not long-term development.
All Eyes on Yuki
Enter Yuki Tsunoda. Experienced, fiery, and full of potential, Yuki now steps into Red Bull Racing’s most controversial seat. Ironically, during the Shanghai Grand Prix, he was heard asking for “more front end.” The Red Bull is famous for being hyper-agile and front-loaded - so, wish granted.
But can he deliver? If anyone’s earned a shot, it’s Yuki. The pressure? Immense.
The Clock Is Ticking
Since Adrian Newey’s departure, Red Bull’s grip on dominance has loosened. The performance is still there, but unlocking it is becoming more and more elusive - especially for anyone not named Max Verstappen.
Meanwhile:
- McLaren are thriving with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in their third season together.
- Ferrari are fast, even if their results don’t yet show it - plus, a driven Lewis Hamilton is raising the bar across the team.
- Mercedes, though not flashy, have fixed core issues. George Russell has two quiet podiums, and rookie Kimi Antonelli is showing real promise.
If Red Bull can’t stabilize their second seat soon, they risk falling out of the fight completely - not just behind, but too far behind to recover.
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