Lights Out: In defence of Red Bull

Red Bull's move to swop Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson does not come as a surprise, but has stirred heaps of controversy. Have Red Bull just figuratively written 'HYPOCRITE' on their foreheads, or is there another side to the coin? When it comes down to it, Red Bull are fighting for championships – and when it becomes evident that the once incredibly promising Lawson fails to deliver his share of points, something must be done to preserve the chances of a championship. This is the part where I give you some sage words of wisdom for life and Formula 1, so here goes: Kids; in life, when you take the wrong train, or the wrong racing car, you'd do well to get off at the first stop – letting the stops and the time go by only makes it harder to get to where you always intended to go. That is what Red Bull needs to do if they hope to ensure a championship this season. If Liam Lawson had a magic wand and a say in determining the next constructor's championship, Red Bull might have kept him. While many F1 fans may have become jaded to a Red Bull press statement, this time it may bode well to pay attention to the team's sentiment. At least this time there is a sliver of sentiment to be found. Red Bull are not just doing what is best for them – they are doing what is best for Lawson. The eager Kiwi racer we know and love has not magically (or dreadfully) disappeared. He needs time; and that's what Red Bull are giving him by returning him to VCARB. Had they entirely given up on Lawson, they would have left him with no seat at all, leaving him no choice but to be discarded into the F1 has-been bin where many other Red Bull talents have gone. Team Red Bull knows the Lawson that waited (im)patiently for a seat and showed up to the track practically oozing potential is still somewhere under those frosted tips he's been sporting lately, but like a good wine, they need to give him time to mature. As for Tsunoda, if he's been sitting in that proverbial wine barrel for five seasons and has not yet shown signs of developing the complexity of an aged wine, he might be leaving with Honda once that partnership ends. One thing is certain, the shortest driver on the grid is desperately trying to maintain a level head before his first outing in the big boy car. My question is: will Red Bull fall into the same trap with Tsunoda as they did with Lawson? The former has not had much more testing time in the Red Bull car than his predecessor and has already hinted at a tricky drive that awaits him this weekend. If the Red Bull manages to trick Tsunoda the way it did Lawson, the blonde one may serve up a big helping of ironic karma at Suzuka on Sunday. – irene-mari@nmh-hub.com.na

Lights Out: In defence of Red Bull

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Lights Out: In defence of Red Bull

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