Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson have shared a competitive yet amicable relationship throughout their motorsport careers. The recent transitions within the Red Bull Racing teams have brought this dynamic into the spotlight, especially following the controversial driver swap that saw Tsunoda promoted to Red Bull Racing and Lawson returning to the junior team, Racing Bulls.
Reflecting on Lawson’s initial promotion to Red Bull Racing for the 2025 season, Tsunoda candidly admitted mixed feelings. He stated,
“I wouldn’t say happy for him as that would be a lie, but he did what he [had] to do.”
Despite this, Tsunoda emphasized that their friendship remained intact, noting,
“We’re still friends for sure, and we still chat to each other.”
Their friendship dates back to their junior racing days when they often competed alongside each other. Lawson recounted a humorous incident from that period. After both crashed during a race at Spa, Tsunoda broke the tension by suggesting they play ‘Flick Tennis’ on their phones, highlighting the lighthearted nature of their friendship even in challenging times.
The recent driver swap, with Tsunoda replacing Lawson at Red Bull Racing, has been a topic of much discussion. While Tsunoda has expressed understanding of the team’s decision, he remains focused on his performance and development within the team.
Tsunoda hopes for a podium at his home Grand Prix this weekend but realistically aims for anything inside the Top 10.
On the other hand, Lawson faces the challenge of proving himself once more in the junior team. Despite these professional shifts, Tsunoda is hopeful the two can remain friends once the dust settles.
“We haven’t talked yet [Lawson and I]. I’m sure we’re going to be around anyway in Tokyo with the events, so let’s see how it goes,” Tsunoda told BBC Sport.
“Hopefully, as a friendship, we won’t make anything ruined or get damaged.
“I think I’ve felt it a little bit in the first half of the season this year, so probably we don’t have the friendship we used to have from when we were fighting in junior categories, but I think that’s natural, fighting for the seat and everything.
“I know he is a funny guy, and I know how to make our relationship good, but let’s see how it goes; it’s not easy.”
As the Formula 1 season progresses, fans and analysts alike will keenly observe how Tsunoda and Lawson navigate their evolving roles within the Red Bull Racing organization, both on and off the track.
2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix Schedule (NZT):
- Practice 1 – Friday 4th April 3.30pm-4.30pm
- Practice 2 – Friday 4th April 7pm-8pm
- Practice 3 – Saturday 3.30pm-4.30pm
- Qualifying – Saturday 7pm-8pm
- Race – Sunday 5pm
Header Image: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
