Multiple reliable media outlets reported on Tuesday evening that Red Bull is planning to change its driver line-up ahead of next week’s Japanese Grand Prix. While the team has not confirmed anything yet, it is believed that Liam Lawson will be replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.

Lawson has struggled since joining the main Red Bull team. In both of his races so far, he has qualified at the back of the grid and hasn’t come close to scoring any points. He was brought in late last year to replace Sergio Perez, who had a very poor season.

Many fans were excited to see what Lawson could do, especially after he impressed as a stand-in driver in 2023. But this season, he hasn’t been able to adjust to the car and Red Bull just doesn't have time to wait for him to do so.

Not everyone agrees with the idea of swapping drivers so soon. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher said that Red Bull should focus more on improving the car instead of changing drivers. He even suggested that Tsunoda should think carefully before accepting the offer as it might not help his career in the long term.

Max Verstappen is also reportedly unhappy with how the situation has been handled. Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf says: “One can guess what Verstappen himself thinks of the decision of Red Bull’s management to victimise Liam Lawson after only two races in favour of Yuki Tsunoda.

“The Limburger [the region Verstappen is from] also disagrees with the team management’s decision to intervene so soon.” This shows that even the team’s top driver has doubts about the change.

Red Bull is under pressure at the moment. The start of the season has not been smooth, and McLaren is catching up in terms of speed and results. The team needs both of its drivers to score points if it wants to stay ahead in the Constructors’ Championship. Bringing in Tsunoda could be a way to fix things quickly, but many people argue that it might not be much better.