organic wrote: ↑19 Dec 2024, 15:13
restless wrote: ↑19 Dec 2024, 14:55
Why Lawson is preferred over Tsunoda? He did not prove to be the faster driver.
Another "political" decision. RB is going downward in every aspect.
Most likely because Yuki's place at red bull would never be secure. Honda/amr could come in for Tsunoda at some point and he would want to leave. Potentially in as little as 1-2 years time
In my opinion there is a very small chance of that happening, and several things would have to happen for that to play out.
1. Yuki needs to do well at Red Bull.
2. Red Bull needs to have a poor car/PU in 2026, otherwise why leave if you're in a top team?
3. Aston Martin/Honda need to have a very good car/PU in 2026. Very possible with Newey there.
4. Post 2026 Alonso has to be willing to walk away and/or the team decides to part with Lance Stroll. I'm not sure how likely the latter is to happen as that is likely Yuki's best, if not only, chance to join the team. Lawrence Stroll has not been shy about going after top drivers (former WDC) and luring them to the team. IF they build a top car they would likely be going after any and every top driver on the grid and it could be appealing to many of them.
Honda will be supplying engines to one team, so that's two spots, and one it taken up by nepotism for the foreseeable future. I could see Yuki doing alright at Red Bull, but Red Bull looking to upgrade from him in a few years and AMR/Honda having a good but not great car and potentially going after Yuki if Lance pursues other interests, but it's hard for me to envision a scenario where AMR lures Yuki away from a Red Bull team that wants to retain him.