Christian Horner questions need for Yuki Tsunoda after Red Bull snub

Since Liam Lawson's promotion to Red Bull, many have questioned Yuki Tsunoda's presence at RB, including Christian Horner.

Christian Horner questions need for Yuki Tsunoda after Red Bull snub

Christian Horner and Yuki Tsunoda (via IMAGO)

After ending Sergio Perez‘s contract prematurely, fans reckoned that Yuki Tsunoda would finally get a promotion that he had long eluded. However, within 24 hours of the announcement, this dream was shattered as Liam Lawson was chosen as the ideal candidate. This has raised questions among senior Red Bull figures regarding the need for Tsunoda in the driver pool as Christian Horner revealed.

When the reality of Sergio Perez‘s exit became inevitable, everyone anticipated Red Bull to finally give a chance to Yuki Tsunoda to perform in race-winning machinery. The 24-year-old joined the sister outfit in 2021 and has developed his racecraft since then. He had partnered four teammates throughout his time at RB and had the head-to-head tilted in his favor for the majority.

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Despite this, Liam Lawson stole the show within 11 races and was able to convince Horner & Co. that he was the right guy for the job. On the contrary, next year would mark the fifth year for the Japanese driver at the Faenza-based outfit. It would be the most for any driver in the history of the Italian outfit.

Sparking up questions regarding Tsunoda’s status in the Red Bull driver pool. Subsequently, Christian Horner followed in line with such statements and gave a damning opinion of the 24-year-old.

We’re acutely aware that if we’re not able to provide an opportunity for Yuki – being, in all honesty, this year [2025] – does it make sense [to keep him]? You can’t have a driver in the support team for five years. You can’t always be the bridesmaid. You’ve either got to let them go at that point or look at something different.

Christian Horner said (via The Race)

On the other hand, the RB driver had been on the targets of other teams for the first time around in his career. Thus, if the Austrian giant decides to let go of Tsunoda after the conclusion of the 2025 season, his status in the paddock would be able to earn him a seat elsewhere.

Yuki Tsunoda’s chance at Red Bull relies on Liam Lawson’s failure

Tsunoda’s departure from the Red Bull family of drivers seems to be on the cards. However, only one thing might be able to earn him a call-up to the senior team under certain circumstances.

Liam Lawson Yuki Tsunoda
Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda (via IMAGO)

If Lawson ends up dropping the ball in the intra-team battle against Max Verstappen, it would be the best-case scenario for Tsunoda. Moreover, Horner gave an insight into this line of thought while discussing the Japanese driver’s relevance.

I think he’s very determined. He knows that things change very quickly. Who would’ve thought nine months ago we’d be sitting here 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.

Christian Horner said (via The Race)

So the 24-year-old’s status with Red Bull indirectly lays in the hands of the Kiwi driver. Therefore, the silly season madness that ensued in 2024 is expected to continue into the subsequent season.