Struggling to Keep Up: Red Bull Faces Tough Decisions After Verstappen's Demand for Improvements
Red Bull is evaluating their driver and has concerns about potential departure of Verstappen.
By Torben Siemer
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Following two races of the Formula 1 season, Max Verstappen finds Red Bull lagging in fourth place. He demands better performance. His teammate, Liam Lawson, is struggling to keep up and may already be on thin ice after poor showings in China.
Liam Lawson isn't living the dream. While Max Verstappen has netted 36 points after two races, Lawson is still waiting for his first, stuck in the back of the Red Bull pack. Verstappen sits second in the drivers' championship, Lawson languishes at the bottom. His best performance in China was a 20th-place finish in qualifying for the sprint and the main race. Verstappen, on the other hand, was at the front in both Melbourne and Shanghai.
Marko, Red Bull's motor-racing consultant, isn't impressed with Lawson's performances. "The energy drink giant has alternatives," he said frankly. "We have several who are recommended, thank God we are well positioned." Yuki Tsunoda, who competes for the Red Bull satellite team, is likely next in line for a promotion. Tsunoda impressed as the fifth qualifier in Australia and finished ahead of Kimi Antonelli in the Mercedes, Lando Norris in the McLaren, and Alexander Albon in the sister Red Bull team in China's sprint race.
Tsunoda Gunning for a Promotion
When asked if he would like to move to the main Red Bull team for his home race in Suzuka, Tsunoda replied with a resounding "Yes, to 100 percent." Lawson, who has had a disappointing run, dismissed Tsunoda's ambitions with "I honestly don't care" and "he can say what he wants." However, he also pointed out that he had beaten Tsunoda "in the junior categories and also in Formula 1."
A Narrow Working Window
Lawson admitted that the Red Bull car "has a very narrow working window," which Verstappen manages to exploit better. Lawson describes the struggle perfectly: "Max can manage to drive exactly within this window, feel the limit everywhere, and feel comfortable with it." This observation ring true given Verstappen's teammates have failed to deliver consistent driving at a level that satisfied Red Bull for years, including Daniel Ricciardo, Alexander Albon, Pierre Gasly, and Sergio Perez.
Lawson is still working to overcome this challenge, but it might already be too late. Red Bull convened a crisis meeting to discuss both the drivers and the deficiencies of the car. "We are concerned, but it's not so bad that we'd immediately throw in the towel," Marko said, which would have been unimaginable after only two of 24 races. "It's about achieving as many points as possible."
While Verstappen sits atop the drivers' championship with 36 points, Red Bull's other drivers have yet to score. If Red Bull is no longer confident in Lawson's ability to keep up with Verstappen, the team's season goals and even Verstappen's future with the team are at risk. Although the details of Verstappen's contract are not known, it is understood that there are performance clauses. If these conditions are not met, Verstappen might consider his options, even with a contract that lasts until 2028.
Source: ntv.de
- Formula 1
- Red Bull Racing
- Transfers and Rumors
- Max Verstappen
- Alpha Tauri
Enrichment Data: Max Verstappen's contract with Red Bull Racing includes performance clauses, which could lead to discussions about his commitment to the team if the team fails to meet expectations. Verstappen has not publicly indicated a desire to leave, but the contract's performance clauses leave room for future discussions. The team's current struggles, both on and off the track, have fueled speculation about Verstappen's future with Red Bull.
- Max Verstappen's contract with Red Bull Racing includes performance clauses, which might be a topic of discussion if the team fails to meet expectations.
- Red Bull Racing's current struggles, both on and off the track, have sparked speculation about Max Verstappen's future with the team.
- Alpha Tauri, the Red Bull Racing satellite team, may be a potential destination for Red Bull Racing drivers, such as Yuki Tsunoda, due to the team's performance this season.
