Horner willing to let Tsunoda go, but also hints at new opportunity
F1 News
- Nicole Mulder
Christian Horner admits Red Bull Racing may have to 'let Yuki Tsunoda go' if Racing Bull's sister team does not need to call on the Japanese driver in 2025.
Instead of the experienced Tsunoda, Red Bull chose his teammate Liam Lawson, who will take Sergio Perez's place alongside Max Verstappen in the upcoming Formula 1 season. Horner says he is prepared to accept any consequences of that choice. “We're acutely aware that if we're not able to provide an opportunity for Yuki – being, in all honesty, this year - does it make sense [to keep him]?” he is quoted by The Race.
Horner: "You can't always be the bridesmaid"
“You can't have a driver in the support team for five years. You can't always be the bridesmaid. You've either got to let them go at that point or look at something different," the Red Bull team boss continued. At the same time, Horner is happy to keep the option open should Lawson's performance disappoint. He does, however, put the ball in Tsunoda's court: he is the one who needs to show even more of himself if he is still to be given the chance.
"I think he's very determined. He knows that things change very quickly," he explains. "Who would've thought nine months ago we'd be sitting here talking about Liam Lawson being our driver for 2025? Things change quickly in this industry, and he's aware of that and knows that he needs to be the one demonstrating that he's the one knocking on the door.
“The Racing Bulls team will hopefully make a step forward again next year as they utilise the [Red Bull] rear suspension and the gearbox, and the aspects that they're allowed to use. As that team and new management matures, that team will naturally take a step forward," Horner concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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