Red Bull’s Second Seat: A Struggle for Consistency Amid High Expectations
The second driving seat at Red Bull Racing has become a challenging role, often viewed as a ‘poisoned chalice’ in Formula 1. Recent mid-season driver changes highlight the difficulties faced in maximizing the potential of the RB21, especially when compared to the unparalleled performance of reigning champion Max Verstappen.
Mid-Season Changes
Liam Lawson’s departure after just two races in 2025 was a significant signal. He was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, a driver previously considered but set aside just five months earlier. This shift underscores a broader struggle: the inability to meet internal benchmarks, which are measured by keeping pace within an acceptable lap time deficit to Verstappen and scoring points for the Constructors’ Championship.
Tsunoda’s initial optimism about his return to Red Bull has been tempered by the car’s unpredictable balance and narrow set-up sweet spot. This inherent instability has become problematic for drivers trying to extract maximum performance on the limit. Tsunoda remarked, “In recent years with Racing Bulls, I knew what was going to happen – I didn’t even have to think about it much.” His adaptation process has been complicated by crashes, notably at Imola, which he attributes to underestimating the RB21’s unpredictability.
Performance Insights
Despite scoring only 10 points over seven races, Tsunoda aims to improve by experimenting with new simulator settings in preparation for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. He identified a need for deeper understanding: “I believe the Imola incident made me realize how much I still have to understand about the Red Bull,” he stated.
Across the garage, Lawson’s performance at sister team Racing Bulls reveals similar struggles, albeit with a slightly different context. He faces challenges not from a lack of confidence but from unlocking the necessary pace to execute competitive qualifying laps. An analysis shows Lawson averaging a three-tenths gap to his teammate, Isack Hadjar, a troubling statistic given the tight margins in the midfield.
Lawson’s notable performance in Monaco, where he finished eighth, was his first points finish of the season. He summarized the weekend’s success as a result of improved execution: “It wasn’t like something suddenly clicked inside me. That feeling has been there in every race.”
Future Outlook
The road ahead remains complex for both drivers. Red Bull’s decision-making regarding its second seat may hinge on performance consistency, particularly as the team prepares for the Canadian Grand Prix. Tsunoda’s insights following his struggles and Lawson’s evolving understanding will be pivotal in demonstrating whether they can adapt to the demands of the Red Bull racing environment.
With ongoing uncertainties, both drivers must continue to learn quickly to avoid being left behind in a fiercely competitive field.
