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      ‘Didn’t see it coming’ – Liam Lawson breaks silence on brutal Red Bull axe as replacement says ‘friendship has changed’

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      LIAM LAWSON says his brutal Red Bull axing after just two races came as a total shock.The Kiwi driver, 23, was sacked by the team after a woeful start to the season which saw him knocked out at the first stage of all three qualifying sessions, failing to pick up a single point.Liam Lawson has been demoted to Racing BullsCredit: GettyYuki Tsunoda has taken Liam Lawson’s Red Bull seatCredit: APLawson returned to Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls in a swap with 24-year-old Yuki Tsunoda ahead of this weekend’s Japanese GP.He told Sky Sports: “It was definitely a shock, honestly. It’s not something that I saw coming,”The discussions we were having weren’t really leaning in this direction, so it was definitely not something that I expected.”Red Bull chose to promote Lawson from their junior squad Racing Bulls after just 11 Grand Prix appearances in two short spells across 2023 and 2024, despite Tsunoda having more experience.READ MORE IN SPORTLawson added: “Obviously, I would have loved more time.”We had a rocky testing. We had a rocky first weekend in Melbourne with practice. And then obviously China was a sprint.”But obviously, it’s not my decision, so I’m here to make the most of this one.”The team’s motorsport adviser Helmut Marko has since come out and said they “made a mistake” signing Lawson over Tsunoda.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLawson and Tsunoda were team-mates last seasonCredit: GettyAhead of his Red Bull debut in Japan this weekend, Tsunoda has also opened up on the switch.He admitted to the BBC: “We didn’t talk yet (Tsunoda and Lawson). I’m sure we’re going to be around anyway in Tokyo with the events so let’s see how it goes.Meet F1 newbie Liam Lawson’s stunning girlfriend Hannah St. John, who is also a model and medical student “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.”On how the move came about following the Chinese Grand Prix, Tsunoda added: “First call I got was from Christian (Horner), I heard expectations from him and also what kind of team dynamics they’re having. He said welcome to Red Bull Racing and he was excited. “Be as close as possible to Max. Red Bull Racing are focused on Max scoring a Drivers’ Championship.”He proved that he can be a world champion even though Red Bull is struggling.Read More on The Sun”He also promised me in some situations that if I’m able to be in front of Max that he wouldn’t necessarily ask me to swap positions and make Max win.”I’m sure it wouldn’t be easy anyway to beat Max straight away. I have to get used to the car. I’m very excited.”Tsunoda will become the latest man to team up with Max VerstappenCredit: Rex More

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      Max Verstappen tipped to receive ‘offer he can’t refuse’ and leave Red Bull after dominating F1

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has been tipped to quit Red Bull after dominating Formula One.Verstappen has won four world drivers titles on the spin in F1, putting him level with just five other drivers to have reached the figure.Max Verstappen has been tipped to leave Red Bull with an ‘offer he can’t refuse’Credit: GettySeven-time F1 race winner Juan Pablo Montoya believes Aston Martin will poach VerstappenCredit: GettyHe believes the move to land F1 designer Adrian Newey will be key to the dealCredit: ReutersHowever, Red Bull’s dominance in the sport has massively waned since the start of last season, with the Milton Keynes outfit now the third or fourth fastest car on the grid behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.The 2025 season is the final season of the current regulations before a changeover in 2026, and Verstappen has now been tipped to leave Red Bull for a new challenge with his contract expiring at the end of 2026.Former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya believes that destination could well be Aston Martin, owned by billionaire businessman Lawrence Stroll.Aston Martin have been busy setting up for the upcoming 2026 season with the arrival of legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey, who they poached from Red Bull.READ MORE IN F1His expertise is one of the biggest reasons why Verstappen, whose Red Bull contract expires at the end of 2026, was so dominant – like Sebastian Vettel was before him.But seven-time Grand Prix winner Montoya believes the 27-year-old will look to rekindle that partnership, but only if the team submit a huge offer for him.A sensational report in January claimed Aston Martin were preparing a £1BILLION deal to land Verstappen, however, the team categorically denied this claim.Speaking to Vision4Sport, where you can enquire about exclusive packages to the world’s best sporting events, Montoya said: “I think Max will get an offer he can’t refuse from Aston Martin.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”He might give Red Bull a chance for a year and a chance for Adrian to start figuring it out.”Adrian can’t do that immediately. It’s a new whole group, and everyone needs to start working together.Why snapping up Adrian Newey is such a coup for Aston Martin“Are they going to be better than where they are next year? For sure. But I don’t think they’re going to start winning a string of races.“But if Red Bull struggles in year one, then it wouldn’t surprise me if by race three, Max has already signed with somebody else.“If I were Max, I would go to Aston. Mercedes would be cool, too, but Aston would be the logical choice, having Adrian and Honda. Everything he has won with is there.”Montoya also reckons Aston Martin will open up a new spot at the team for Fernando Alonso to become an ambassador and replace him with Verstappen.He added: “If Verstappen joined Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso will retire and become an ambassador for life for the company.“Fernando would be pissed off to a point, but it’s the right choice. If you take Lance out of the equation, then you lose Lawrence.“And if you lose Lawrence, you lose everything. You lose Aston Martin, and then there’s no Max coming.“If bringing Max would mean that Lawrence would have to sacrifice Lance, that would be the wrong choice for the team.Read More on The Sun“If they forced Lawrence to do that. I think he would say, ‘Okay, here’s the team. Over to you. Let’s just sell the team, I’m not interested.’”Verstappen will have a new team-mate in Yuki Tsunoda for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix after Christian Horner and Co. axed Liam Lawson after two disastrous race weekends. More

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      ‘Horrible’ – Christian Horner reveals heartache at ‘cruel’ sacking of F1 star and ‘taking away his dreams’

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      RED BULL team principal Christian Horner has admitted that he found it “horrible” axing Liam Lawson after just two races.Lawson replaced Sergio Perez at Red Bull in December after finishing the 2024 season with Racing Bulls, the constructor’s sister team.Christian Horner has opened up about his decision to axe Liam LawsonCredit: GettyLawson was demoted from Red Bull to Racing Bulls just two races into the seasonCredit: AFPHowever, the 23-year-old found himself out of the seat last week after being axed just two races into the current campaign.He will swap places with Yuki Tsunoda from this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix and return to Racing Bulls where he will partner rookie Isack Hadjar.Horner, the chief decision maker at Red Bull, has admitted it was “cruel” demoting Lawson but claims it was for the driver’s own good.The Brit told Sky Sports: “Of course, it’s horrible because you’re taking away someone’s dreams and aspirations, but sometimes you’ve got to be cruel to be kind, and I think that in this instance, this is not the end for Liam.READ MORE ON F1″I was very clear with him, is that it’s a sample of two races. I think that we’ve asked too much of you too soon.”We have to accept, I think we were asking too much of him too soon.”And so this is for him to, again, nurture that talent that we know that he has, back in the Racing Bulls seat, whilst giving Yuki the opportunity and looking to make use of the experience that he has.”Horner went on to reveal that both he and the engineers at Red Bull were “concerned” about how much Lawson appeared to be struggling throughout the opening two race weekends.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe continued: “I think with everything that we saw in Australia and China, you could see that it was really affecting Liam quite badly.”We could have left it, and I think that Liam is a driver with talent.Max Verstappen takes to the stage at F1 launch event at the O2 “Maybe within half a season he would have got there, but we just don’t have that amount of time.”It was something that was very clear to the engineering side within the team, just how much Liam was struggling with it all, and you could see that weight upon his shoulders.”The engineers were coming to me very concerned about it, and at the end of the day, I think it was the logical thing to do.”Lawson, meanwhile, didn’t expect the decision to be made so soon.He said: “It was definitely a shock, honestly. It’s not something that I saw coming.”The discussions we were having as well, I think, weren’t really leaning in this direction, so it was definitely not something that I sort of expected.Lawson admitted he didn’t see it comingCredit: AP”Obviously, I would have loved more time.”And I felt like with more time, especially going to places that I’d been before… it was a tough start.”We had a rocky testing. We had a rocky first weekend in Melbourne with practice. And then obviously China was a Sprint.Read More on The Sun”I think going to places that I’d been before with the way the car was quite tricky, I think that would have helped and I would have loved that opportunity.”But obviously, it’s not my decision, so I’m here to make the most of this one.” More

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      ‘It’s a real man thing’ – Geri lifts lid on relationship with Christian Horner including what ‘makes him a bit cross’

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      GERI HORNER has opened up on her marriage to F1 bigwig Christian.The former Spice Girl tied the knot with Red Bull’s chief principal and CEO in 2015, a little over a year after they started dating.Christian and Geri Horner’s marriage was on the rocks last year after the F1 chief was embroiled in a sexting scandalCredit: GETTYThe couple have seemingly come through the ordeal and are look to be happyCredit: PASpice Girls star Geri has opened up on what they like to do as a coupleCredit: GETTYBut their relationship hit the rocks last year when Christian was embroiled in a sexting scandal.Christian was found to have sent a slew of inappropriate messages to a female employee – who he pestered for raunchy snaps – behind Geri’s back.His antics, which were leaked to the media and on social media, devastated Geri.But the couple seem to have worked through their troubles, so much so that pop icon Geri has opened up on the inner workings of their relationship.READ MORE IN F1She told The Times: “So these are the fun things we do — we walk the dogs together, we like walking.”I bought him a goldendoodle for his birthday.”I hid the puppy in a phone box and handed it to him. We’re very much old-school and family-focused.”She also revealed one his passions, saying: “He loves doing barbecues — it’s a real man thing.”Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKGeri Horner has revealed husband Christian loves to barbecueCredit: INSTAGRAM@REDBULRACINGShe’s also revealed that they love to binge-watch TV showsCredit: REXChristian is a stickler for perfection on the race track and he seemingly has that same expectation at home.”He’s very tidy,” Geri said of her husband. “I might leave things around, which makes him a bit cross.”The Spice & Speed Empire: Christian and Geri Horner’s £50M JourneyDespite being internationally known and having millions of pounds in the bank, the couple are partial to binge-watching TV shows on the sofa just like the rest of us.But Geri finds it difficult to put shows on hold while Christian is jetting off around the world.She admitted: “We’ll find a TV series that we lock into.”I’ll try my best not to watch it when he goes away. I waited for him before finishing ‘Severance’.”We like playing games too. The other day, in the kitchen, we were playing 20 questions — you’ve got to guess what the object is.”We’re quite silly.”Geri has yet to publicly address her husband’s sexting scandal, which led to claims she changed her surname back to Halliwell.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut she insists: “That’s a load of c**p. It’s my writing name.”I haven’t legally changed anything — Horner is the name on my passport.”Geri Horner has rubbished suggestions she changed her surname after her husband’s sexting scandalCredit: REX More

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      ‘We know Max is not happy’ – Red Bull F1 chief breaks silence after Verstappen likes post slamming Liam Lawson axe

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      RED BULL chief Helmut Marko admits that Max Verstappen is “not happy” with Red Bull’s brutal axing of his team-mate Liam Lawson.The ruthless move to drop Lawson to sister team Racing Bulls and promote Yuki Tsunoda after two races was announced on Thursday.Liam Lawson has been brutally ditched by Red Bull after two races this seasonLawson has been replaced by Japan’s Yuki TsunodaMax Verstappen is frustrated with the decision to sack team-mate LawsonThe writing was on the wall after Lawson finished P15 at the Chinese Grand Prix and qualified last in both the sprint and the race in Shanghai.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was immediately asked, and gave no assurances, about Lawson’s future after the race – won by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.Lawson’s nightmare season began with him dropping out in Q1 at the Aussie GP, before crashing out of the opening race in Melbourne.Reports immediately suggested that Red Bull superstar Verstappen didn’t want Lawson so harshly replaced after two poor weekends in the RB21.READ MORE F1 NEWSThe Dutchman, 27, has been left disappointed and disagreed with the decision before it was made.He subsequently liked an Instagram post accusing Red Bull of “bullying” Lawson after the news was confirmed. And now Marko has broken his silence and accepted that the four-time world champion disapproves of the move.Horner’s advisor told De Telegraaf: “We know Max is not happy. But we need two cars at the front. Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Not only for the constructors’ championship, but also to help Max to his fifth world title. Then you can achieve more strategically in races.”We can use Yuki’s experience and form now. That counts. At the end of the day, that is to the advantage of the team. “And that also means to the advantage of Max.”Red Bull chief Helmut Marko admits that Max Verstappen is ‘not happy’ with their decisionMax Verstappen takes to the stage at F1 launch event at the O2 Tsunoda – who has far greater F1 experience than Lawson – will suit up for Red Bull for the first time at his home Grand Prix in Japan next weekend.Meanwhile, Lawson will return to second team Racing Bulls as team-mate to French rookie Isack Hadjar.The New Zealander, 23, broke his silence in a moving social media post hours after the decision was announced.He wrote: “Being a Red Bull Racing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life.”It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. “To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world.”Thank you to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places.”Lawson was the latest in a line of drivers dating back to Pierre Gasly in 2019 – followed by Alex Albon and Sergio Perez – who have struggled to emulate Verstappen in taming the mechanical beast created by the Red Bull engineers.Horner said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We came into the 2025 season with two ambitions: to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title, and this is a purely sporting decision.”We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.” More

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      ‘Dream since I was a kid’ – Liam Lawson breaks silence on Red Bull axe with emotional statement and posts childhood pics

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      LIAM LAWSON has broken his silence after being dropped by Red Bull.The 23-year-old has had a nightmare start to the Formula One season after failing to score any points in the first two weekends.Liam Lawson has broken his silence after being axed by Red BullCredit: APLawson said it was always his dream to be an F1 driver and shared childhood photosLawson shared a drawing he did as a young boy, predicting he would be an F1 driverRed Bull chiefs confirmed this morning they would be swapping the Kiwi driver for Racing Bulls star Yuki Tsunoda, with Lawson heading back to the team he had driven 11 races before across two stints in 2023 and 2024.Much has been said of the move, with Max Verstappen appearing to not be too happy about the situation after liking a social media post comparing it to “bullying”.Lawson was the latest in a line of drivers dating back to Pierre Gasly in 2019 – followed by Alex Albon and Sergio Perez – who have struggled to emulate Verstappen in taming the mechanical beast created by the Red Bull engineers.However, following his demotion to the sister team, Lawson has addressed the situation with a heartfelt social media post.READ MORE IN F1Taking to Instagram hours after the news was confirmed, Lawson posted a photo of himself as a kid in school with an old drawing he did outlining his dream of becoming an F1 driver.Lawson captioned his post: “Being a @redbullracing driver has been my dream since I was a kid, it’s what I’ve worked towards my whole life. “It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that’s brought me to this point. “To every one of you who’s stood by me, thank you for all the support it means the world.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Thank you @visacashapprb for the warm welcome, I’m excited and ready to go to work at one of my favourite places.”Tsunoda, 24, had said he would welcome a team switch if offered because the Red Bull car was faster.Meet F1 2025 rookies including star gifted first go-kart by Michael Schumacher and Brit teen who’s already a millionaire Lawson has been replaced by Japan’s Yuki TsunodaCredit: PAChristian Horner believes Red Bull made the right decision in replacing Lawson with TsunodaCredit: GETTYLiam Lawson recently gloated about getting the better of Yuki Tsunoda in F3Credit: GETTYHowever, Lawson seemed to not take the comments too well, saying after the Chinese Grand Prix: “He can say whatever he wants. I’ve raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories and beat him.”If I look back over our careers, I was team-mates with him in F3 and I beat him. In Euroformula I was team-mates with him, [and] in New Zealand, and I beat him there.“Then in F1 last season I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no. He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”The pair were team-mates in the motorsport last season, with the Japanese driver out-qualifying Lawson 6-0 and going 4-2 in their head-to-head race finishes.On the decision, team boss Christian Horner said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.”We came into the 2025 season, with two ambitions, to retain the World Drivers’ Championship and to reclaim the World Constructors’ title and this is a purely sporting decision.”We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car. “We welcome him to the Team and are looking forward to seeing him behind the wheel of the RB21.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well.”The Japanese Grand Prix is the next race on the calendar on April 6. More

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      Max Verstappen likes bombshell Instagram post comparing Christian Horner’s Liam Lawson axing to ‘bullying’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has liked an Instagram post accusing Red Bull of “bullying” Liam Lawson. It came after Lawson was dropped to Racing Bulls in favour of Yuki Tsunoda, who has been promoted to race alongside team-mate Verstappen.Max Verstappen liked an Instagram post accusing Red Bull of ‘bullying’ axed Liam LawsonLiam Lawson has been brutally ditched by Red BullCredit: APLawson has been replaced by Japan’s Yuki TsunodaCredit: PAVerstappen, the four-time world champion, is understood to be unhappy about the team’s decision to axe Lawson so fast.Many believe Lawson, 23, should have been given more than two races to prove himself and get used to the RB21.The Dutchman’s actions raise further questions about his relationship with the Milton Keynes-based team.Tensions grew last year after allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” from a female employee aimed at team principal Christian Horner.READ MORE IN F1Horner has since been cleared of those allegations by two separate internal investigations, but Verstappen’s future with the team has been questioned.Red Bull confirmed on Thursday morning that Lawson and sister team driver Tsunoda would switch roles for the Japanese Grand Prix.The New Zealander will return to second team Racing Bulls as team-mate to French rookie Isack Hadjar.In a statement, Red Bull said Lawson was pulled out of the firing line after his “difficult” start to the campaign.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLawson’s nightmare season began with him dropping out in Q1 at the rain-swept Aussie GP, before crashing out of the opening race in Melbourne.A week later, the Kiwi again qualified last in both the sprint and race for the Shanghai GP – despite sitting in the second-best car in F1 last season.Red Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix The RB21 might be tailored for Verstappen, but mustering a P15 finish in Shanghai was too much for Horner.Meanwhile, Tsunoda – who earns nearly double Lawson’s £800,000 salary – qualified fifth in Australia and ninth in China but finished outside of the top 10 for both races due to strategy calls.The ruthless call has drawn criticism from the F1 world.Former Dutch F1 driver, Giedo van der Garde – who drove for Caterham in 2013 – was one who has been particularly critical of the shock move.Van der Garde took to Instagram to share his disgust, writing: ” Yes, you gotta perform. Yes, the pressure is insane. “But in my opinion this comes closer to bullying or a panic move than actual high athlete achievements. “They made a decision – fully aware – gave Liam two races only to crush his spirit.”Don’t forget the dedication, hard work and success Liam has put in his career so far to achieve the level where he is now.”I remember my own blood, sweat and tears – and that was to reach F1. Let alone driving for an absolute top team. “Yes, he underperformed the first two races – but if anyone’s aware of that it’s himself.”Former F1 star Giedo van der Garde has launched a scathing defence of LawsonCredit: GettyVerstappen, interestingly, liked the post but it seems he has since un-liked it.Lawson was promoted to Red Bull in the off-season, succeeding Mexican driver Sergio Perez.Tsunoda is expected to become Verstappen’s sixth different partner at Red Bull since he made the step up in 2016.That is after Daniel Riccardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Lawson.Red Bull said they were making use of their unique position as the only team on the grid with four race seats, arguing it was a kindness to Lawson.Team principal Horner said: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and, as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start.“It makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, an environment and a team he knows very well.”Horner is hoping 24-year-old Tsunoda’s experience will help with the team’s developing of the RB21.The decision will surely make things awkward between rivals Lawson and Tsunoda, who have shared fiery words in recent days.Tsunoda was more than pleased when quizzed about a potential swap before the news was announced on Thursday.The Japanese star said: “Yeah, 100 per cent. The car is faster, I’m sure.”But a fuming Lawson hit back, saying: “He can say whatever he wants.”I’ve raced him for years, raced him in the junior categories and beat him.”If I look back over our careers, I was team mates with him in F3 and I beat him.“In Euroformula I was team mates with him, [and] in New Zealand, and I beat him there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then in F1 last season I think honestly, if I look at all the times he got promoted instead of me in those early years, then no.”He’s had his time. Now it’s my time.”Lawson and Tsunoda have been team-mates in junior and senior teams More

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      Christian Horner takes no prisoners after ‘sext’ scandal as Red Bull boss swings axe in bid to avoid another horror year

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      CHRISTIAN HORNER is taking no prisoners just one-year on from his ‘sexting’ scandal.The Red Bull boss’ ruthless axing of Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda after just two races showed he will do anything it takes to avoid a repeat of last year’s horror show.Christian Horner is taking no prisoners at Red BullCredit: GettyHe has axed new ace Liam Lawson after just two F1 racesCredit: APYuki Tsunoda has now been promoted as No2 to Max VerstappenCredit: PAAs Horner said in the very first episode of the latest series of Drive to Survive: “The buck stops with me.”Red Bull finished third in the constructors’ championship last season, as the team was rocked after Horner was accused by a female colleague of “inappropriate behaviour”.The 51-year-old was twice cleared by an independent investigation, but there was then a string of high profile exits, including legendary designer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley.And Max Verstappen had to block out his dad Jos’ explosive rows with Horner over the scandal – and deal with a shoddy car – to seal a consecutive fourth world title, and spare the team’s blushes.READ MORE IN F1Horner wanted to leave that sordid season behind him, but he was savagely reminded when he was booed by thousands at the O2 F1 live event in February ahead of the new season.The paddock hasn’t forgotten either, with Horner’s rival, McLaren boss Zak Brown, recently saying he should be feeling “vulnerable” in his position.Horner has overseen eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships as Red Bull team principal, but both are already looking under threat this season.Sergio Perez and Alex Albon have found before Lawson that driving a car tailored to four-time world champion Verstappen is no easy ride.Most read in MotorsportThe hiring and firing policy of the brutal Red Bull system under Horner and senior adviser Helmut Marko has been hit or miss over the years.Christian Klein, Scott Speed, Sebastien Bourdais, Sebastien Buemi, Jaime Alguersuari, Jean-Eric Vergne, Daniil Kvyat, Brendon Hartley, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon have all been chewed up and spat out since the team started out in 2005.Red Bull’s Christian Horner gives low down on car before F1 season kicks off with Australian Grand Prix Horner was accused by a female colleague of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ last seasonCredit: AFPThe Red Bull chief, married to Geri Halliwell, was twice cleared by an independent investigationCredit: GettyHorner is hoping Verstappen can win another title with a new team-mateCredit: GettyIn recent years the second driver at Red Bull walks into the team knowing full well they will always be the bridesmaid and never the bride to Verstappen, who along with Sebastian Vettel, is the only driver unscathed so far by Horner’s ruthless policy.Sometimes Horner has made on paper the right decision, with Perez finishing a whopping 285 points behind Verstappen before he was replaced by Lawson.If the Mexican driver had raced in only the first two grands prix of the season, and none of the other 22, Red Bull would still have finished third.Kiwi driver Lawson, 23, suffered a dreadful start, being knocked out at the first stage of all three qualifying sessions including for the sprint and also failed to pick up a single point.Verstappen is still said to be unhappy with Red Bull’s decision despite them already being 42 points behind the reigning champions, McLaren, while Verstappen is second in the drivers’ championship, eight points behind Lando Norris.Horner said in a Red Bull statement confirming the news on Thursday morning: “It has been difficult to see Liam struggle with the RB21 at the first two races and as a result, we have collectively taken the decision to make an early switch.“We acknowledge there is a lot of work to be done with the RB21 and Yuki’s experience will prove highly beneficial in helping to develop the current car.“We have a duty of care to protect and develop Liam and together, we see that after such a difficult start, it makes sense to act quickly so Liam can gain experience, as he continues his F1 career with Racing Bulls, an environment and a Team he knows very well.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRed Bull chose to promote Lawson from their junior squad Racing Bulls after just 11 Grand Prix appearances in two short spells across 2023 and 2024, despite Tsunoda having more experience.Only time will tell if history repeats itself for Tsunoda. More