As the 2025 Formula 1 season progresses, Red Bull Racing finds itself in a precarious situation with driver Liam Lawson, who has struggled significantly at the wheel of the RB21. Following unanticipated performances in the opening races, including dismal finishes in Australia and China, Lawson’s position with the team has come under intense scrutiny.
After two race weekends, Lawson is left reeling, having been knocked out in Q1 for both races. His unfortunate start has raised eyebrows, especially since he was chosen to race alongside reigning champion Max Verstappen after several impressive outings with the sister team now known as Racing Bulls. Yet, as Lawson continues to grapple with confidence issues in his new car, the possibility of a swift replacement looms.
The potential candidates for his replacement include Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda and Alpine’s reserve driver, Franco Colapinto, although recent reports clarify that Colapinto is not in contention for the seat. On March 25, sources indicated that multiple discussions ruled out the Argentine driver as a feasible option for Red Bull. As rumors about a potential swap between Lawson and Tsunoda circulate, the Indonesian Grand Prix at Suzuka, scheduled for next month, could serve as the backdrop for any possible changes.
Red Bull’s management, concerned about Lawson's performance, has stated that a decisive meeting will take place at their Milton Keynes factory on March 26 to determine the future of the Kiwi driver. While Yuki Tsunoda currently appears to be the front-runner to step up into the team, sources confirm that Colapinto is firmly established as Alpine’s reserve driver for the season and is not part of Red Bull’s contingency plans.
Franco Colapinto, who previously demonstrated his talent during a brief stint with Williams where he scored points in two of his first outings, has been confirmed as one of Alpine’s reserve drivers. Following a series of strong performances that caught the attention of multiple teams, including Red Bull, Colapinto's name surfaced in discussions as a potential replacement, particularly given his previous prowess behind the wheel.
Despite catching the eye early on, Colapinto's interest from Red Bull appears to have diminished due to unfortunate incidents towards the end of the 2024 season. Notably, after a heavy crash in Las Vegas, Red Bull refrained from pursuing Colapinto further. With Alpine retaining him as a reserve driver, discussions about a potential swap to Red Bull have been firmly dismissed.
While the team makes critical decisions regarding Lawson’s future, he faces mounting pressure as he tries to settle into a car with a notorious reputation for being challenging to handle. Lawson remarked after the Chinese Grand Prix, “It’s safe to say that we’re not happy. None of us are happy. I don’t know what more you want me to say to that, really.” His struggles have been underscored by Verstappen’s impressive performances, leaving Lawson feeling the weight of expectations.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, expressed sympathy for Lawson amid the escalating pressure, stating that the team will evaluate data from the Chinese GP before making any definitive decisions. “I think Liam still has got potential; we’re just not realizing that at the moment,” he said, emphasizing the need for a careful assessment rather than succumbing to speculative decisions.
Reporters have noted that while Red Bull's interest in potential candidates continues, its lack of communication with Alpine regarding Colapinto indicates he is not in consideration amid ongoing adjustments the team might explore. Meanwhile, the uncertainty enveloping Lawson’s seat continues to mount, pressuring the rookie driver as he struggles to close the gap between himself and Verstappen's established pace.
As the countdown to the Japanese Grand Prix ticks down, all eyes will be on Red Bull and its management as they assess their options. The fate of Liam Lawson remains precariously balanced, with the potential of Yuki Tsunoda stepping in as a determined possibility. Yet with Colapinto remaining firmly parked within the Alpine camp, both the driver and team principal Oliver Oakes acknowledge that the pressure is mounting to perform.
In summary, Lawson's current battle with the Red Bull team highlights the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where performance is paramount, and competition never ceases. With every passing race, the tension builds as every team evaluates their strategies while drivers are continuously vying for their spots. Whether Lawson can overcome these relentless challenges remains to be seen as the stakes at Red Bull reach new heights.
