Jacques Villeneuve supports Red Bull’s decision to alter their driver lineup early in the Formula 1 season, stating that it was a logical move. Liam Lawson will be returning to the junior team Racing Bulls, while Yuki Tsunoda will take his place.
Lawson struggled in the first two races in Melbourne and China, failing to score any points and delivering poor qualifying performances, finishing 18th and then last in Shanghai’s sprint and main Grand Prix races.
The decision to promote Lawson over the more experienced Tsunoda last December was controversial, leading to criticism of Red Bull’s choices. However, former F1 champion Villeneuve believes the team made the right call.
Villeneuve criticized Lawson’s attitude and supported Red Bull’s decision to replace him with Tsunoda, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance, especially in a top team like Red Bull. He highlighted the need for immediate impact in such a competitive environment.
Regarding Lawson’s future, Villeneuve acknowledged that the driver could still succeed in F1 if he regains his form with the junior team. He mentioned the challenges of driving Red Bull’s RB21, noting its complexity and the need for a strong mindset on tracks like Suzuka.
The former champion concluded that Red Bull’s decision was based on data indicating Lawson’s struggles and the demanding nature of F1 competition. He also emphasized the significance of performance in a closely contested field, suggesting that even a slight gap in speed could lead to unfavorable results.
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In summary, Villeneuve indicated that Lawson’s lack of performance and mindset issues necessitated the change, emphasizing the competitive nature of F1 and the need for consistent results at the highest level.