Liam Lawson admits he felt “shock” at being demoted by Red Bull after just two Formula One races.
The New Zealander was ruthlessly replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after the Chinese Grand Prix after a testing start to life as Max Vestappen’s teammate.
After losing his “dream” job, having failed to score points in either of the first two stops on the calendar, Lawson has reflected on his situation now with the Racing Bulls for this week’s Japanese Grand Prix.
“It was definitely a shock, honestly. It's not something that I saw coming,” Lawson conceded, speaking to Sky Sports. “The discussions we were having as well, I think, weren't really leaning in this direction, so it was definitely not something that I sort of expected.”
Lawson then elaborated on his frustration and was asked if he thought he should have been given more time to show his worth: “Honestly, yes. Obviously, I would have loved more time.
"And I felt like with more time, especially going to places that I'd been before… it was a tough start. We had a rocky testing. We had a rocky first weekend in Melbourne with practice. And then obviously China was a Sprint.
"I think going to places that I'd been before with the way the car was quite tricky, I think that would have helped and I would have loved that opportunity. But obviously, it's not my decision, so I'm here to make the most of this one."
Tsunoda was passed over as a potential replacement for the departing Sergio Perez at the end of last season but has now been given a major opportunity. He will make his debut as Verstappen’s partner on home soil at Suzuka.
Red Bull are third in the constructors’ championship at this early stage, with Verstappen, the four-time defending world champion, recording finishes of second and fourth at the first two races of the season.
