Yuki Tsunoda urged to reject Red Bull F1 promotion: 'It's pure chaos'

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has urged Yuki Tsunoda to reject a promotion to the Red Bull team.

Tsunoda was overlooked by the Milton Keynes-based squad at the end of last year in favour of Liam Lawson, who was called up to replace the outgoing Sergio Perez.

However, Lawson endured a miserable opening two rounds to the season, languishing at the back of the field as he struggled to extract pace from the RB21.

Tsunoda has been linked with a move to Red Bull as early as the upcoming round in Japan in just over one week's time.

Schumacher even suggested post-Chinese GP that a decision had already been taken that Tsunoda would replace Lawson for the race at Suzuka.

Despite declaring that he is “100%” ready to face up against Max Verstappen at the senior team, Schumacher has advised Tsunoda to remain in place at his current squad.

“If I was Tsunoda’s manager, I wouldn’t recommend him to go there,” Schumacher told Sky Germany.

“At the moment, Racing Bulls is the better car and Tsunoda is getting on really well with it. He can’t do himself any favours with it.”

Schumacher hits out at 'pure chaos' at Red Bull

A promotion for Tsunoda in the coming week would see him make his debut for his new team in Japan.

Lawson has acknowledged the pressure he is under, with Schumacher expressing confidence the decision to swap drivers will be made by Red Bull in the near future.

Should it opt to promote Tsunoda for Japan, it would see him become the third driver to race alongside Max Verstappen in just four races - leaving Schumacher to scold the management at Red Bull.

“It's not quite confirmed yet, but that’s probably the way it is,” Schumacher added. 

“And that, it has to be said, is unbelievable. Above all, incredibly bad from a management point of view. I don’t understand that at all.

“You destabilise the good Racing Bulls team, who are finally in a good position with both drivers, and in my opinion, you will burn Tsunoda, who is better, but who also has no chance against Max.

“And Lawson then goes back to the Racing Bulls, he should build up there again. It’s kind of pure chaos at Red Bull. 

“So not only that the main team is too slow, but that they also swap the riders like a charade. I think that’s unbelievable.”