Red Bull’s senior advisor, Helmut Marko, has acknowledged that appointing Liam Lawson to partner Max Verstappen was a “mistake.” Following disappointing performances in Melbourne and Shanghai, the team has decided to reassign Lawson back to Racing Bulls, effective immediately. Yuki Tsunoda will take Lawson’s place, set to debut at the upcoming home Japanese Grand Prix.
In an interview with the BBC, Marko expressed that Lawson had struggled to find his confidence, which significantly impacted his performance. He explained that Lawson’s inability to showcase his potential stemmed from a lack of self-assurance. When asked about the initial decision not to promote Tsunoda, Marko noted that Tsunoda has shown considerable growth this season, describing him as a stronger and more confident driver after four years of experience in Formula 1.
Marko highlighted that although Lawson had not previously raced in Melbourne or Shanghai, the team decided against allowing him to compete in Suzuka—despite his familiarity with the track—out of concern that his damaged confidence would hinder his performance. He reassured fans that Lawson’s situation is not a true demotion, referencing past examples like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, who were both relegated from the senior team yet successfully rebuilt their careers.
Marko emphasised that returning to Racing Bulls could be beneficial for Lawson, given that the Racing Bulls car is competitive enough to allow for top 10 finishes during qualifying and races. He pointed out that although the RB21 is challenging to drive, Verstappen has managed it while Lawson has struggled.
The Japanese Grand Prix is scheduled for the following Sunday, where expectations will be high for the team, particularly for Tsunoda in his home race.