Apr.2 (GMM) Yuki Tsunoda might already have been a Red Bull Racing driver if not for Adrian Newey.
With Liam Lawson’s tenure alongside Max Verstappen painfully short after an abysmal first two races of 2025, the team is heading into the Japanese GP with home-town hero Tsunoda at the wheel.
It’s already well known that quadruple world champion Verstappen disagreed with the decision to oust Lawson.
“He disagreed because he kept saying the car was just so difficult to drive,” team advisor Dr Helmut Marko told Kleine Zeitung newspaper. “That’s his opinion, and that’s a good thing.
“But you can’t become world champion as a one-man team.”
Marko now admits promoting Lawson ahead of Tsunoda was a mistake, but he traces it back to Mexico last year, where the “decisive phase” of who should replace Sergio Perez coincided with one particular incident.
“Tsunoda drove into Pierre Gasly’s car, and parts of the cars on the track damaged the underbody of Verstappen’s car, which cost him the race,” he revealed. “Adrian Newey was furious at the time.
“From that point on, Yuki was a red rag to him. But now Newey is gone, and Yuki has worked hard on himself. He has changed management and simply grown up. I heard him say he’s already expecting a podium finish in Japan, but I’d be happy if Max made it onto the podium.
“But hey, let’s wait and see,” added Marko.
Finally, Marko said Red Bull not only needs a more competitive second driver, but that the 2025 car needs to be made quicker overall.
“We need to quickly deliver updates that actually work,” he said. “They come in batches, of course, and if something doesn’t work, we have to fix it.
“But to win the fifth world championship, these improvements definitely have to happen in the next five races. Otherwise it will be too late.”
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas at the Circuit of the Americas - one of the world's finest racing circuits. This year's event features one of six Sprint races on the F1 schedule. Grand Prix Tours offers a fully appointed, personally tailored race experience for passionate enthusiasts at what has become a great American tradition and another anticipated sold-out event.
SHOW PACKAGES
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES