'Not My Decision': Max Verstappen Reacts To Yuki Tsunoda Replacing Liam Lawson
Max Verstappen wasn't happy with the change, he only had good things to say about his new teammate.
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has handed newly-promoted Yuki Tsunoda a harsh Red Bull welcome. The 24-year-old Japanese star has joined the Milton Keynes squad’s main line-up from the team’s sister organisation, Racing Bulls. He replaces Liam Lawson and is set to debut in Suzuka during the F1 Japanese Grand Prix. Verstappen was recently asked about his opinion on Tsunoda’s move to the senior squad. The Dutch-Belgian racer claimed the youngster would have to work things out for himself as he gets to speed at Red Bull. “He has to find it out for himself because my experience might not be his experience," he told multiple media outlets.
Red Bull’s senior management held a meeting in Dubai after the team’s shambolic performances in the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix events. Hours after the meeting, Red Bull announced they were swapping Max Verstappen’s 23-year-old teammate Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda to improve the team’s performance. The multi-time world champion wasn’t too pleased with this early-season swap and expressed his discontentment to the Red Bull chiefs.
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Following the change, Max Verstappen was asked what he thought of Yuki Tsunoda’s promotion to Red Bull. While the Dutch-Belgian wasn’t happy with the change, he only had good things to say about his new teammate. “Everyone that tries to make it in the sport is working for it every day, they deserve a shot for sure," he said. Verstappen later admitted he hadn’t spent much time assisting his new teammate ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. “I’ve only seen Yuki yesterday quickly, he's been busy at the factory," the multi-time champion said. “At the end of the day, it’s not really up to me," he concluded.
Max Verstappen had recently opined the car was a bigger issue for Red Bull. He felt it was the primary reason behind their early-season struggle. “I think our main issue is that our car is not where we want it to be," said Verstappen ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, as per Sky Sports. “As soon as the car is more competitive and more drivable in general, then I think even in the other car it will come to you anyway a bit more naturally," he added.
As for Yuki Tsunoda, the 24-year-old will debut for Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka this weekend, April 6. The Japanese racer received his promotion to Red Bull in his fifth Formula 1 campaign. It made him the most experienced Red Bull junior to move to the main team. He will hope to make an impact in Japan as Red Bull looks to recover crucial points in the Constructors’ standings.
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