Lawson suffers F1 blow as RB ‘very happy’ with current line-up

RB CEO Peter Bayer has insisted the team is “very happy” with its current driver line-up, dealing a blow to prospect Liam Lawson.

Lawson is currently acting as RB's reserve driver and stepped up for five races last year in place of an injured Daniel Ricciardo.

RB opted to keep Ricciardo alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the 2024 campaign, with Lawson continuing to assist from the sidelines.

The New Zealander issued a warning to Red Bull earlier this year, insisting he would look for opportunities elsewhere if he did not receive a promotion for 2025.

While the 22-year-old is hopeful of receiving a call-up, Bayer has asserted that the squad is satisfied with its current line-up.

“I think we're very happy with both of our drivers,” Peter told media including RacingNews365. 

“And honestly, we're not wasting time with discussing ifs and whens. We have a very strong line-up. We have a great reserve driver. 

“We have great talent coming through F2, F3. And currently, it's all about focusing on performance. 

“Perhaps the focus is more on Aston Martin in front of us than on driver discussions.”

Tsunoda progress

RB's strong start to the 2024 season has seen it jump to sixth place in the constructors' championship.

After the opening eight rounds, the Red Bull sister outfit has scored 24 points - 19 of which have come via Yuki Tsunoda.

Reflecting on the Japanese driver's growth, Bayer stated: “I definitely believe he has made a big step forward. 

“It's physical preparation, but it's also his mental readiness to perform and deliver. 

“One example I mentioned the other day: I think he simply understood that every time he would be swearing on the radio, that would cost him a tenth. 

“So he's got himself under control. He's extremely professional in the work that he's putting into the feedback with the engineers. And yes, he definitely made a big step up.”