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Sergio Perez understands better than most how challenging it is to be Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull. Perez joined Red Bull in 2021 after an impressive 2020 season with Racing Point, where he finished fourth in the drivers’ championship, outperforming Alex Albon by 20 points. This performance earned him a seat at Red Bull, replacing Albon.
Red Bull’s Faith in Perez Started to Fade
In 2023, Perez still worked as a competent subordinate even as Verstappen ushered Red Bull into its first-ever one-two finish of the championship standings, but the gaping holes in his performance started to fill the scene. To boost his confidence, Red Bull contracted Perez for renewal at the end of last year. However, within six months, the team parted ways with the Mexican driver to bring in Liam Lawson as replacement.
Liam Lawson's Future in Jeopardy
Lawson's experience with Red Bull so far has not impressed after two Grands Prix, leaving him with not much room to maneuver as New Zealand's only representative defends his ground. It could thus mean Red Bull has an eye on Yuki Tsunoda now who waited so long.
Perez Didn’t Want Tsunoda at Red Bull
Journalist Diego Mejia, speaking on the Only Drivers Podcast, revealed that Perez had reservations about Tsunoda taking his seat. Mejia stated:
“The next one on the list is Tsunoda. At some point, I spoke to Checo about it, and he told me, ‘I hope they don’t put Yuki in because they’ll get rid of him.’”
Perez spent a decade in Formula 1 before shifting to Red Bull, so he was fully aware of the pressures and challenges that existed within the team. He knew that if results did not improve, the fault would be squarely at the driver's feet and not at the car's.
Multiplicity of Problems for Red Bull
Concerns raised by Perez are well justified as the current stables at Red Bull are beset by so many problems. With legendary designer Adrian Newey no longer at the helm, the team suffers under a poor current car that seems to have zero improvements over that of last year's model.
Yuki Tsunoda Ready in Red Bull Opportunity
Tsunoda's Consistency in Midfield
Heard warm 'cooing' sounds coiling around the ears of Yuki Tsunoda as he gets close to the century mark in terms of Grand Prix contests in Formula 1, the performances running consistently well. He is here touted to be one of the shinning lights in mid-field this season although two sub-standard strategic calls recently cost him a fair bit after his high P6 finish in the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Tsunoda's Under-the-Radar Dig at Lawson
Tsunoda, who has shown desire to drive for Red Bull in the past, recently took a sly jab at Liam Lawson when asked if he was ready for a promotion. It was during the media interaction at the Shanghai race weekend where Tsunoda boldly claimed his 100% preparedness to race for Red Bull if ever given the opportunity.
Upcoming Mixed Signals From Red Bull Regarding Tsunoda
Though Tsunoda made quite an impression on Red Bull in the post-season test last year, he was still left out in favor of Lawson. However, with Lawrence's lackluster performances, the much-awaited promotion might finally be closing in for Tsunoda.
Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson in Japanese Grand Prix 2025.
