Liam Lawson branded ‘boastful’ as F1 legend backs Red Bull’s choice to swap the motive force

Jacques Villeneuve has backed Red Bull’s decision to swap Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson after only two races of the season, and has hit out at the latter’s arrogance

Formula 1 legend Jacques Villeneuve reckons “it makes sense” that Red Bull has decided to shuffle its driver lineup after a mere two rounds this season, as Liam Lawson gets the boot back to the junior squad Racing Bulls, and Yuki Tsunoda takes his spot.

Red Bull’s initial choice to promote 23-year-old Lawson last December sparked debates, and his poor performance so far has led team principal Christian Horner and the driving academy chief Helmut Marko to make an early call, giving the nod to seasoned Tsunoda.

But ex-world champ Villeneuve is convinced they’ve hit the nail on the head this time around.

The Canadian blasted Lawson’s performance, telling NZCasino: “It makes sense because you can have a one bad race, but not two in a row on the same track and not in a Red Bull – that’s the problem.

“Had he been in a Sauber, it would have been okay but not in a Red Bull. Not when the other guy, in this case Max Verstappen, manages to be close to the front, even with a difficult car.

“Lawson does have the experience because he was in a bunch of races last year. When they were team-mates Yuki Tsunoda was quicker. Red Bull needed to do something.

“I don’t think Lawson right now is driving to his full potential. Mentally he is crushed, and it is hard to step out of that. But that’s the price you pay when you get to a big team. It either works right away or you get dropped. That is the risk you are willing to take so you have to accept it.”

He continued: “He will still be racing in F1. He has the same contract. It doesn’t change the contract the drivers have. They are Red Bull drivers. These two races didn’t do much good for him in the paddock.

“It’s very simple and that’s the risk. When you start with Red Bull you have to be on it right away. That’s the price to pay for being put in the best team.

“You want to take the risk? Good. But then the opposite side is you’ll pay a dear price if it doesn’t work out. That’s just the way it is, and that’s okay. That’s how it should be. I thought they might give him another three races when they come back to Europe so they could then make a considered decision.

“You have to bear in mind that he came into F1 very arrogant. He came into F1 last year saying how amazing he would be and he had an attitude.

“When the results don’t come, it makes everybody react even stronger. It’s actually the worst result ever in a Red Bull car. So, he’s paying his own price there. He set himself up in a way.”

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