Horner admits Lawson vs. Tsunoda decision was 'very, very tight'

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has revealed that the decision to promote Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen’s teammate for the 2025 Formula 1 season was an incredibly close call between the Kiwi and his RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

On Wednesday, Red Bull confirmed that Sergio Perez would not continue with the team in 2025, paving the way for Lawson or Tsunoda to claim the coveted seat alongside Verstappen.

Having completed four seasons with Red Bull's junior team and delivered a strong campaign in 2024, Tsunoda was regarded by many as the logical successor to Perez.

However, Horner admitted that the team’s decision was based on a detailed evaluation of performance data, as well as on the long-term potential of both drivers.

In the end, these factors tipped the scales in favor of Lawson.

“It was very, very tight between the two of them,” Horner told ESPN. “I mean, Yuki is a very fast driver. He’s got three or four seasons of experience now.

“He did a very good job in the tyre test for us in Abu Dhabi where the engineers were impressed with how he performed.

• Read also: Lawson to partner Verstappen at Red Bull Racing in 2025

“With Liam, when you look and go into the analytics of his race, pace was slightly better in the races that he did.

“His qualifying pace was very tight with Yuki, and you’ve got to assume that the potential with Liam having only done 11 Grands Prix, is he’s only going to get better and stronger.

“He’s shown real mental resilience and toughness.”

Lawson has stepped into Formula 1 mid-season twice, first in 2023 to replace an injured Daniel Ricciardo and again in 2024 when Ricciardo was released by Red Bull’s sister team.

Horner pointed to the 22-year-old’s adaptability and rapid progression as key factors in the decision.

“A couple of things have stood out with me with Liam – how versatile he is,” the Red Bull chief explained.

“You put him into a situation, he gets on with it. If you remember his debut in Zandvoort after Daniel [Ricciardo] broke his fingers, he was racing against Max on his out-lap. He’s got that kind of gritty racer mentality.

“He did a year in the DTM where he adjusted to driving a Ferrari GT car incredibly quickly alongside Alex Albon and generally had the upper hand.”

In addition to his versatility, Horner praised Lawson’s racecraft, which has been a standout feature since his debut in F1.

“His racecraft has been really one of his key strengths,” he said. “So he’s not afraid to go wheel-to-wheel and even rub wheels where necessary.

“So I think he’s going to do a great job for us.”

“The engineers have enjoyed working with him through the running that he’s done this year. He’s got a good work ethic as well.”

Horner has divulged that Tsunoda, who will begin the 2025 season at RB, will remain an option should Red Bull’s gamble on choosing Lawson not work out as hoped.

“So it is great to have Yuki still involved with the Racing Bull scene next year. And of course he’s on standby should he ever be required,” he concluded.

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