Red Bull Racing is facing a tumultuous period following the announcement of Max Verstappen as the world champion for an impressive fourth time. Just three months into the new season, the team is grappling with internal strife as Liam Lawson, their second driver, finds himself under immense pressure after another disappointing performance during the Chinese Grand Prix qualifications.
On March 22, 2025, during a chaotic day at the Shanghai International Circuit, Lawson finished dead last, qualifying P20 and setting himself up for a challenging start in the race as fans looked on with disappointment. This follows a disappointing P18 finish at the previous Australian Grand Prix, where Lawson spun out of the race, enduring a tough debut season where he has yet to demonstrate the skills necessary to match his teammate, Verstappen.
Adding to the scrutiny surrounding Lawson's position was fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda's impressive rise. After a shocking P5 finish at Albert Park, Tsunoda only managed P9 in Shanghai, but his audacity to comment on potentially taking Lawson's seat has not gone unnoticed. When asked about filling in for Lawson at his upcoming home Grand Prix at Suzuka, Tsunoda casually replied, "Yeah, why not. Always." He then added, "In Japan? Yeah, 100 percent. I mean, the car is faster," hinting at a brewing rivalry.
After Tsunoda’s remarks, he was promptly pulled away by Red Bull’s public relations officer, a clear indication that the internal dynamics within the team are a delicate matter. Post-qualifying, Lawson acknowledged the pressure he faces: "It’s just a very small window. It’s hard, you know — it’s hard to drive, to get it in that window. I'd like to say that with time that will come. I just don’t have time to do that; it’s something I need to get on top of," Lawson told reporters, echoing the sentiments of a driver attempting to regain control of his fate.
The escalating tensions within Red Bull were further amplified by Red Bull boss Christian Horner's uneasy responses during live TV interviews regarding Lawson’s performance. When questioned about whether the team had made the right decision promoting Lawson over Tsunoda, Horner's demeanor suggested he felt the pressure mounting. "It’s been a tough day in the office for him today, so we’ll have a good look at it and go through it and obviously try and give him the best car for tomorrow," he stated, yet his lack of enthusiasm in addressing the issue raised eyebrows.
Coinciding with the drama at Red Bull, Lewis Hamilton's performance with Ferrari at the same event turned heads for entirely different reasons. After finishing 10th in his debut for the team at the Australian GP a week earlier, Hamilton stormed back with a stunning victory in the sprint event at Chinese GP on March 22. Hamilton had a flawless start, taking the lead immediately and setting an impressive pace that left little room for competitors to catch up.
Despite expressing concerns about tire degradation midway through the race, Hamilton continued to extend his lead, defying expectations and securing a vital win—Ferrari's first in a sprint race in four years. Fans instantly took notice, with one expressing on social media, "Lewis Hamilton wins the sprint in China. What a story. The pace he showed today was utterly ridiculous!!!" Others echoed similar sentiments, celebrating Hamilton's skill and resilience in reclaiming the spotlight.
Fellow drivers also acknowledged Hamilton's outstanding performance, with British motorsport driver Alex Brundle remarking, "There’s been so much chatter up until now, but that’s what you hire Lewis Hamilton for... That was really, really impressive to watch," emphasizing Hamilton's return to form with Ferrari.
Inevitably, the juxtaposition of Hamilton's successful comeback with Ferrari and the turmoil within Red Bull depicts a fascinating narrative as the F1 season in 2025 develops. The task ahead for Lawson grows increasingly daunting as Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, has indicated he has five races to prove himself. This precarious situation leaves Lawson with little time to rectify his standings in the championship and team dynamics.
As the Suzuka Grand Prix approaches in just two weeks, all eyes will be on both teams and their respective stars. For Hamilton, securing momentum with Ferrari could signal a new chapter, while Lawson's future remains uncertain amid rising competition within the team, all under the spotlight of Formula One's global fanbase.
