Liam Lawson has been announced as Max Verstappen’s new teammate. However, it was a close call, with Yuki Tsunoda almost securing the position for the 2025 season. Team boss Christian Horner reveals why Red Bull ultimately chose the New Zealander.
After just eleven Formula 1 races, Lawson has been given a seat at top-tier team Red Bull, thereby denying Tsunoda the opportunity to be promoted after four years at Red Bull’s sister team, Visa RB. “It was very, very close between the two,” Horner says of the decision, speaking to ESPN.
The British team boss explains that there was nothing wrong with Tsunoda’s pace. However, the choice fell on Lawson because the young driver has more potential for growth. “We felt that Liam, looking at the analysis of his races, had a slightly better pace in the races he drove,” Horner continues.
“His qualifying pace was very close to Yuki’s, and you have to assume that Liam’s potential is that he will only get better and stronger. He has really shown mental resilience and toughness.” Horner is pleased that Tsunoda will remain within the Red Bull family as a driver for Visa RB.
Ignoring Verstappen
Lawson is facing a significant challenge as the upcoming teammate of Max Verstappen. Therefore, Horner has a golden tip for the Red Bull debutant. “I think the most important thing is not to put too much pressure on him and for him not to put too much pressure on himself. He’s up against the best driver of his generation,” says Horner.
The Brit advises Lawson to ignore Verstappen’s performances as much as possible. “Hopefully, we can deliver a car next year that suits him as well as Max, and then we’ll see how he does.”
