Yuki Tsunoda has been urged not to give up on his dream of a Red Bull seat, with Liam Lawson the perfect example of what can be achieved.
After finally securing a drive in a Red Bull in the end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi in December, and despite impressing the team of engineers, Tsunoda was overlooked to become Max Verstappen’s new team-mate.
Instead, despite four years of experience compared to the 11 grands prix of Lawson, it was the New Zealander who was given the nod based on his potential from the data available compared to that of the Japanese.
It means Tsunoda faces another year with the Red Bull family’s junior team, which for the coming campaign is to be known as Racing Bulls after previously being recognised as AlphaTauri and then RB.
For the first time in his F1 career, Tsunoda will also serve as the reserve driver for Red Bull, allowing him to step up should either Verstappen or Lawson suffer from illness or injury, or potentially should the latter fail to prove himself at the higher level.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner feels Tsunoda should take heart from what Lawson has achieved, as the 22-year-old was not on his radar as a potential team-mate for Verstappen for this year when last season kicked off.
Referring to Tsunoda and his drive for the coming year, speaking to select media, including RacingNews365, Horner remarked: “He said his motivation was to demonstrate that he warrants the opportunity.
“The Racing Bulls team will hopefully make a step forward again as they utilise the rear suspension, gearbox and other aspects they are allowed to use.
“As that team and new management matures, it will naturally take a step forward.
“And he’s very determined. He knows that things change very quickly. Who would have thought nine months ago we’d be talking about Liam Lawson being our driver for 2025?
“Things change quickly in this industry, and he’s aware of that, and knows that he needs to be the one demonstrating that he’s the one knocking on the door.”
