Drivers react to Tsunoda-Lawson seat swap ahead of the Japanese GP

Written by Peter Johnson, Edited by Dhara Dave

Credit: Jasmine Chang / Red Bull Content Pool

Since the chequered flag fell at the end of the Chinese Grand Prix, there has been no shortage of off-track action in Formula One. From Ferrari's double disqualification in Shanghai to Jonathan Wheatley's first day as Sauber's team principal, there have been stories up and down the pit lane. However, there was naturally one subject that dominated Thursday's media day at Suzuka.

After growing speculation, Red Bull confirmed last Thursday that Yuki Tsunoda would be promoted to Red Bull at the expense of Liam Lawson, who has returned to VCARB after just two races with the senior team. For the first time since the switch, Formula One's drivers faced the media and were consulted for their views.

Lawson, of course, was asked for his own take on the move: "It's something I wasn't expecting so early but it's not my decision and for me, it's about making the most of this opportunity now."

"It's been a good week of preparations so I'm excited to get going."

"Going out tomorrow [for practice] will be the first proper test [in the new car] and it'll probably take a session or two to adjust again but we have three practice sessions here and I'll be making the most of that."

After tackling two brand-new circuits in Melbourne and Shanghai, Suzuka is the first track on the calendar this season that Lawson has previously driven. He remarked: "That was what I was looking forward to from the start, to go to a track that I've been to before and have a proper preparation."

"It's exciting to be here. It's one of my favourite tracks to drive on so I'm very excited."

Yuki Tsunoda, speaking at his home race for the first time as a Red Bull driver, said: "I'm really looking forward to it. It can't be crazier than this. First race in Red Bull Racing and also on top of it my home Grand Prix. I'm just excited."

When pushed to explain how his promotion came about, Tsunoda was reticent to provide specific details. He said: "The first call I got was from Christian after China [telling me] to be prepared for things to change a little bit."

"I was in the UK in preparation for Suzuka with VCARB. Within the two or three days I was spending in the UK he confirmed [the swap] in person."

Tsunoda's new teammate Max Verstappen was understood to be unhappy with Red Bull's decision, a rumour perpetuated after he liked a social media post by former Formula One driver Giedo van der Garde, who likened Lawson's demotion to "bullying".

In the media pen at Suzuka, the four-time world champion confirmed his position: "I liked the comment, the text, so I guess that speaks for itself. It was not a mistake [that I liked van der Garde's post]."

He continued: "The team knows what I think about everything so I think that's enough to be honest. I've spoken to the team and I've spoken to Liam and I think that's all I can say about it."

"We need to just improve our car, that's where our focus needs to be."

Championship leader Lando Norris commented: "It seems tricky [for Red Bull] to find a balance that suits a lot of drivers, or any driver apart from Max - and Daniel [Ricciardo] many years ago. I've got no idea what's going on there."

Former Red Bull junior driver Carlos Sainz, who drove for the junior team under the guise of Toro Rosso from 2015 to mid-2017, said: "It's nothing new, it's just Red Bull and the way things are handled in Red Bull."

"We've seen it over the last ten years that that's the way things are done there and one day you get the chance, the next day if you don't do exactly how you're expected to do you get an upgrade or a downgrade. It's no news to me."

Haas' rookie driver Oliver Bearman leapt to Lawson's defence. He commented: "After two races I think it's a bit of a quick decision and not one I agree with, but I think it's nice now for Liam to find his feet and to go again because I think he's a great driver."

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, who himself made a high-profile move to one of the sport's top teams over the winter, said: "I think what's really important is to get the right support like I get with Mercedes and also [to have] good people who support you all the way, especially in difficult moments."

"Obviously, it was quite unexpected but I think he (Lawson) can do well in the VCARB this weekend."

All four Red Bull and VCARB drivers convened in Tokyo earlier this week for a street demonstration, providing a glimpse of Tsunoda and Lawson in their new overalls alongside their new teammates.

They will hit the track for the first time on Friday morning with the first of three practice sessions as Formula One returns to its traditional weekend format ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.