Liam Lawson, the talented New Zealand native, has been confirmed as the second driver for Oracle Red Bull Racing in the 2025 Formula One season. On December 18, Red Bull announced that Sergio Perez would be leaving the team immediately after a lackluster season, despite having two years remaining on his contract. Faced with limited options, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner turned to the Junior Team to find a suitable replacement for the Mexican driver.

Liam Lawson vs. Yuki Tsunoda: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s compare the head-to-head statistics between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda during the 2024 season. Lawson made his first race appearance for Red Bull Racing after replacing the fan-favorite Daniel Ricciardo at the United States Grand Prix in Texas, where he impressed with a solid 9th-place finish, securing 2 points for the team. In contrast, Tsunoda finished 14th in the same race, earning no points.

Throughout the 2024 season, Lawson and Tsunoda raced together for a total of six races. During these events, Yuki Tsunoda accumulated 8 points, while Liam Lawson secured 4. Tsunoda finished ahead of Lawson in 4 out of the 6 races, with both drivers scoring points in 2 races each.

Despite similar performances on the track, the two drivers are at different stages of their careers. Tsunoda, who is 2 years older than Lawson, has more experience in Formula 1, having raced for Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri since 2021. Fans have been eagerly awaiting his chance to race for the senior Red Bull team, given his proven pace and ability. But, with Red Bull’s decision to promote Lawson, many are asking: why was Lawson chosen over Tsunoda?

Why Red Bull Chose Liam Lawson Over Yuki Tsunoda

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, admitted that the decision to pick Lawson over Tsunoda was tough. However, Red Bull management believes Lawson has a potentially higher ceiling, based on his performances with the Junior Team and his ability to handle pressure. Formula 1 drivers racing for top teams are under immense pressure to deliver consistent podium finishes, and many have struggled to keep pace with Max Verstappen.

What sets Lawson apart is his mental strength. He has demonstrated resilience by stepping into Red Bull’s Junior Team twice mid-season and still delivering strong performances. This ability to perform under pressure is crucial in F1, where the margin for error is razor-thin. Lawson’s maturity on the track, combined with his adaptability, convinced Red Bull that he could be a future star.

What’s Next for Lawson and Tsunoda?

With the 2025 season on the horizon, the big question remains: will Liam Lawson be able to perform under the immense pressure of a full-time Red Bull Racing seat? Can he rise to the occasion and match or even exceed Perez’s performances from 2023? If Lawson thrives, he could prove to be the team’s long-term solution. However, if he falters under pressure, Red Bull may have some regrets over their decision.

For Yuki Tsunoda, 2025 may be a pivotal year as well. With Honda, his sponsor, set to partner with Aston Martin and their new Technical Director Adrian Newey from 2026, Tsunoda may face some tough decisions. If he doesn’t secure a promotion to Red Bull Racing, he could consider a new challenge elsewhere in the F1 grid.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Both Drivers

Only time will tell how Liam Lawson fares as Red Bull Racing’s second driver for the 2025 season. His ability to handle pressure, along with his strong performances in his previous roles, makes him a promising addition to the team. Similarly, Yuki Tsunoda’s future remains uncertain, with potential opportunities on the horizon as well. For now, fans will continue to root for both drivers as they navigate their careers in Formula 1.

In conclusion, whether Lawson rises to the challenge and proves himself as a Red Bull Racing star or Tsunoda seeks new opportunities, both drivers are positioned for exciting futures in the world of Formula 1.