Tsunoda in line for shock Lawson Red Bull swap in Japan

Yuki Tsunoda has finished ahead of Liam Lawson in every qualifying session since Singapore 2023.

Yuki Tsunoda could replace Liam Lawson at Red Bull as early as the Japanese GP, according to reports.

According to Autosport, nothing has been decided yet, however, discussions have taken place.

The move would see Yuki Tsunoda go to Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, whilst Liam Lawson would go to Racing Bulls alongside Isack Hadjar.

With Yuki's home Japanese Grand Prix in two weeks, the move would appear to work perfectly for Red Bull.

Speaking after the Chinese GP, Christian Horner said: "We will study all the data and do our best to support Liam.

“But at the same time, we also need two drivers who score points.”

It wouldn't be the first time Red Bull have swapped drivers between their two teams mid-season, with Max Verstappen replacing Daniil Kvyat in 2016 and Alex Albon replacing Pierre Gasly in 2019.

Liam Lawson was promoted to the Red Bull senior team ahead of Yuki Tsunoda at the end of last season, a decision many disagreed with after Yuki outperformed Liam in their races together last season.

In his two weekends with the side, Liam has struggled massively, failing to get out of Q1 or SQ1, and not scoring a point.

After qualifying, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was asked about the situation and said the team would be assessing it.

Liam's struggles seem to be down to how small a working window the RB21 works in, with Max Verstappen liking an incredibly sensitive car which the team caters to.

Max Verstappen even suggested Liam would fare better in the Racing Bulls car, which appears a lot easier to drive.

His struggles are similar to those of Pierre Gasly, who endured a difficult start to his Red Bull Racing career, however, he was given 12 races until getting the boot. Pierre then looked a lot more at home back at the then Toro Rosso, and got his career back on track.