Mekies plans to keep Tsunoda motivated at RB: 'Give him a fast car'
F1 News
- Savannah Lenz
According to rumours, Sergio Perez will be replaced by Liam Lawson for the 2025 Formula 1 season. While nothing has been officially confirmed as of yet, all signs point to Lawson stepping up instead of Yuki Tsunoda.
In the Abu Dhabi paddock, Visa Cash App RB's team principal, Laurent Mekies, spoke to the media, including GPBlog, about his drivers and how he would handle the potential move. No official driver spots are open at Red Bull Racing, but if speculation is to be believed, Sergio Perez will be replaced by another driver soon. In his place would be one of the two current Racing Bulls drivers, Liam Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda. With Tsunoda having been at RB for four years, how will the team keep him motivated if he is passed up for the promotion?
Mekies has a plan for Tsunoda
If Tsunoda stays at RB, it will be a harsh blow to his career aspirations. Luckily, his team principal already has an idea to keep him motivated: "There is one simple way: give him a fast car." He continued with a caveat: "One is giving him a fast car because that's what we are here for, and it's not like he's driving for the top 10 every weekend. I don't think you could do that in every team."
"The second thing is whatever happens next, it doesn't mean that it's a definitive answer for any future promotion". Over the years, Red Bull Racing and its sister team have made several driver swaps, including during the season. Mekies acknowledges that if Tsunoda is not promoted before the next season, it may still happen at a later point. "He's very good now, so what I'm trying to say is not only we'll be trying to, in that case, give him a fast car, but also he or Liam, if you invert the scenario, will still get the season to demonstrate their next step".
Mekies said it is something that happens to all drivers on the grid. "It's the same for most of these guys because it is natural that anyone who doesn't get the promotion will be disappointed. If both don't get the promotion, they will both be disappointed. But the same will apply in that case. A, give them a fast car. B. Let's not forget that they will get another chance if they make another step of the magnitude of what they have been showing this year".
According to F1's entry list, Tsunoda is the only driver officially confirmed to drive for RB next season, with Lawson still not announced for the 2025 season.
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