Ranking the top 5 Reasons behind Red Bull axing Liam Lawson

The biggest talk in F1 was Red Bull axing Liam Lawson and replacing him with one of their junior drivers, Yuki Tsunoda. The Austrian team is now facing the wrath of many fans and senior F1 pundits for this tough decision on Liam. But the management that backed Liam a few months before over Tsunoda, now calling the Japanese driver to rescue them from the downfall.

This was a harsh call from Red Bull Management, and nobody expected an end like this for Liam Lawson after just two races in the season. To be honest, Yuki Tsunoda could also face the same issue faced by Lawson at Red Bull, as the car is more suited for Max Verstappen's driving style, which has a sharper front end. So, what made Red Bull's leadership group change their mind over Lawson?

Here are the ranking top 5 reasons behind Red Bull’s racing decision

5. Liam Lawson’s poor performance

Lawson was looking overconfident even before his Formula 1 debut. He was more vocal about his capabilities before taking on the wheel. For example, his feuds with Alonso and Perez were not taken well by many former champions.

Liam Lawson would have thought differently about the Red Bull machine and being Max Verstappen’s teammate. With just two races he couldn’t be his teammate anymore as his team found him incapable and swapped him with Tsunoda.

4. Unable to deliver results

Red Bull management thought Liam Lawson would at least be in the top 10. However, the Kiwi is nowhere near his teammate, as he found it difficult to even cross the Q1 session in Qualifying. The car didn't suit him like Perez last year.

In Australia, he crashed during the race and in China, he started last and finished in P15. It was not the expected result, and his dream of driving for Red Bull ended with only two races. We also don't think Lawson would be seen in the future.

3. Yuki Tsunoda’s form

The Japanese driver who was really meant to be the Red Bull driver instead of Liam Lawson is now in the form of his life. Last year, when Lawson was chosen over him, Yuki Tsunoda was angry and promised to deliver and fight more to beat Red Bull. 

He eventually did as he was the fastest driver in the Red Bull camp next to Max verstappen. He beat Liam Lawson in Australa and China with the best qualifying results. So Red Bull were made to swallow their own pill and give Tsunoda his much-deserved seat.

2. Being a teammate of Max Verstappen

The Dutch F1 driver is setting benchmarks in racing with his exceptional driving talent. Many of his teammates struggle to reach them and struggle to be his teammate. Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Sergio Perez failed to beat him in the past and faced the consequences.

Now, Liam Lawson faces the same fate as those before him. Even with an average and ordinary car, Max Verstappen still manages to finish on the podium—an expectation at Red Bull. Liam coudnt' meet that standard, and now the focus shifts to Yuki Tsunoda.

1. Red Bull Management pressure

The biggest reason behind Lawson’s axing was the top leadership's demand for immediate results. Many believe that Liam Lawson should have been given more time to settle in and adapt to the car. Even Max Verstappen was reportedly unhappy with the management's decision to swap drivers.

Christian Horner spoke about caring Liam Lawson at VCARB, but the decision will be a tough blow on him. Recovering from such a setback is challenging for any driver in that situation. Instead, they could have chosen Yuki Tsunoda from the start, given his long tenure with the team. As a result, Liam Lawson's career is now at risk, as he may be labeled a failed driver.

Also Read: Liam Lawson gets emotional after facing the Red Bull axe.