The Japanese Grand Prix will be the first race since the driver swap between Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson. However, with the change taking place just last week, there was no time to replace the posters with updated ones ahead of the race in Suzuka.
Lawson and Tsunoda not yet switched
On the posters, Tsunoda is still seen in the Racing Bulls suit. Lawson is also still pictured in the Red Bull Racing uniform. It has been known for a little under a week now that Red Bull has swapped the two.
Tsunoda to Red Bull Racing
GPblog confirmed on Tuesday that Red Bull made a decision regarding the driver lineup. This was officially communicated by the team on Thursday. It means that Lawson’s Red Bull period lasted no longer than two races. For Tsunoda, it is his chance to prove himself after more than four years of driving for the Austrian team’s sister squad.
Tsunoda himself said he did not want to set expectations too high for his debut. However, he expressed hopes to stand on the podium during his first race for Red Bull Racing. Helmut Marko has confirmed that consideration is being given in setting up the second car differently than Max Verstappen’s RB21. According to the advisor, this could help to better control the car.
If Tsunoda were to immediately stand on the podium in Japan, he would be the first Red Bull driver since Verstappen to achieve that feat on his debut. The Dutchman started from P4 in Barcelona at the time, but after a crash involving the then Mercedes drivers, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, he moved up to second place. Through his strategy, he ultimately managed to win the race.
