Ex-F1 strategist claims AlphaTauri extended Yuki Tsunoda’s contact snubbing Liam Lawson due to Honda sponsorship

Liam Lawson was forced to stay on the sidelines in 2024 after Yuki Tsunoda's contract was renewed for next season.

Ex-F1 strategist claims AlphaTauri extended Yuki Tsunoda’s contact snubbing Liam Lawson due to Honda sponsorship

Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda (Via IMAGO)

Yuki Tsunoda made his F1 debut in 2021 with AlphaTauri. The Japanese driver has stayed at the Faenza-based team since despite having a mixed bag in his first two campaigns in the sport. However, Red Bull decided to keep Tsunoda for 2024 despite Liam Lawson‘s impressive performances as a stand-in this year. Now, former F1 strategist Bernie Collins has pointed out the potential reason for this decision.

Collins reckoned that Lawson deserved a full-time drive for 2024 at AlphaTauri. However, the Briton hinted that the Honda sponsorship money brought by Yuki Tsunoda to the Red Bull sister team was perhaps the deciding factor. Although, the ex-F1 strategist believed that on pure pace Liam Lawson should’ve got the seat for next season.

It’s a pity in F1 that some things are led by sponsors, some things are led by dealings, whatever, but on pure performance, he should be in a car, he should be in a seat.
Bernie Collins told Speedcafe

Bernie Collins affirmed that a driver lineup comprising Lawson and Daniel Ricciardo would’ve been ideal for AlphaTauri. As the team would have a young and quick driver alongside a proven F1 race winner. The Briton was disappointed that this was not the case as Yuki Tsunoda was given an extension for the upcoming season.

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And arguably, that should have been the AlphaTauri seat with Daniel Ricciardo because you would have a very strong line-up of a young guy that’s clearly very good, and Ricciardo who has very strong pace and a lot of experience.

Bernie Collins unclear if Liam Lawson was offered a seat at Williams

Rumors had emerged this year that Williams might’ve been interested in signing Liam Lawson for the 2024 season. Ultimately, the Grove-based team extended Logan Sargeant‘s contract for another season. With Lawson going on the sidelines for a year while staying on as a reserve driver for Red Bull.

Liam Lawson (image via PlanetF1)
Liam Lawson (image via PlanetF1)

Bernie Collins reckoned that perhaps the Kiwi driver might’ve wanted to stay within the Red Bull family instead of going away for a season. Although, the former strategist affirmed that there was confirmation regarding the Williams offer. However, the Briton mentioned that team bosses would be looking at Lawson as he is an incredibly quick driver.

We don’t know what happened with the Williams seat if it was offered to him, and then he said he wanted to stay in the Red Bull family. We don’t know the answers to those questions.

Liam Lawson impressed the entire F1 paddock with his performances in 2023. Subsequently, it is only a matter of time before the Kiwi driver gets the call-up for a full-time seat at the pinnacle of motorsport. Till then fans would need to wait for Lawson’s full-time debut in F1 in the future.

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