Gunter Steiner Questions Red Bull’s Decision to Promote Liam Lawson Over Yuki Tsunoda for 2025 F1 Season
Former Haas F1 team principal Gunter Steiner has openly criticized Red Bull Racing’s decision to promote Liam Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Steiner believes Tsunoda deserved a chance to prove his worth in the main team, calling the move a “compromise” that may not have been the right choice.
Liam Lawson, who joined RB (formerly Racing Bulls) midway through the 2024 season, impressed with two points-scoring finishes in just six races. This performance earned him the coveted seat at Red Bull Racing, replacing Sergio Perez, who struggled with only six top-five finishes in 2024. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda, despite participating in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi and driving the Red Bull F1 car for the first time, was overlooked for the promotion.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s team principal, acknowledged that Lawson was a better fit for the seat, stating, “Liam Lawson was more appropriate for the seat than RB’s teammate Hiroki Tsunoda.” However, Steiner disagrees, arguing that Tsunoda should have been given at least one year to demonstrate his potential.
“I don’t think that was a perfect choice,” Steiner told Gpblog. “Everything is compromise, which is one of the choices. I think Yuki should have had a chance. I don’t say it’s worthy of him, as you’re nothing worthy. I always say that.But it would have been a better bet to put him in a car for one year and see what he was doing. If he’s not good, let him go.”
Steiner also questioned the purpose of Red Bull’s sister team, RB, where Tsunoda has been a driver for five years. “He’s the fifth year in the junior team, right? Is it a junior team or what is it?” Steiner remarked. he expressed concern that Tsunoda’s motivation could wane after being passed over for the main team seat.
Tsunoda’s future in the Red Bull family remains uncertain. While he has been appointed as the official reserve driver for Red Bull Racing in 2025, his chances of securing a permanent seat hinge on Lawson’s performance next season. Additionally, Tsunoda will face competition from Isaac Hajher, his new teammate at RB, who was promoted from F2 after finishing second in the championship.
Red Bull’s history of promoting and demoting drivers, including Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly, has been a topic of debate. Steiner believes Tsunoda’s situation mirrors this pattern, stating, “He repeats the same thing, but has no chance to take a step. It’s like he has no chance.Why do you leave him? I don’t know.”
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Lawson’s performance alongside Verstappen and whether Tsunoda can seize any opportunities that arise.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Promoted Driver | Liam Lawson |
| Overlooked Driver | Yuki Tsunoda |
| Reason for Lawson’s Promotion | Impressive performances in six races with RB |
| Tsunoda’s Role in 2025 | Red Bull racing reserve driver |
| Steiner’s Criticism | Questions Red Bull’s decision and the purpose of RB |
what do you think about red Bull’s decision? Should tsunoda have been given a chance? Share your thoughts below.
