Yuki Tsunoda has publicly criticized Liam Lawson, accusing him of deliberately obstructing him during the Qualifying for the United States Grand Prix. This clash follows a series of incidents between the two drivers this season.
T tensions Between Tsunoda and Lawson
Tsunoda’s remarks highlight ongoing rivalry intensified since Lawson was promoted to team up with Max Verstappen while Tsunoda remained in a supporting role. The pair’s escalating disputes coincided with Red Bull’s reshuffle, which saw Tsunoda rise and Lawson descend to the junior Racing Bulls team.
Previous Incidents
Incidents between the two drivers include a notable confrontation during Sprint Qualifying, where both attempted to secure optimal positions but encountered difficulties. Speculation has arisen that they are competing for the same seat on the 2026 grid, amid rumors that Isack Hadjar could join Red Bull while Arvid Lindblad aims for an F1 debut.
Tsunoda’s Response
When questioned about Lawson’s impact on his performance, Tsunoda remarked, “He’s always doing something on purpose, and it’s b*, so it’s him. I don’t care about him, to be honest.” He expressed his frustrations about an additional block from an Alpine driver, attributing it to potential miscommunication, which he believed affected his chances of making it to Q3.
- Tsunoda’s Qualifying Position: 13th place
- Lawson’s Qualifying Position: 12th place
- Upcoming Challenges: Both drivers face challenges in the race, especially with previous incidents affecting their lap times.
Lawson’s Perspective
In response, Lawson expressed confusion over Tsunoda’s comments, indicating that traffic and conditions during the weekend had been challenging for all competitors. He stated, “Traffic is always a little bit tough around here,” highlighting that various factors contributed to their performance issues.
Despite setbacks, Lawson noted the strong performance of the Racing Bulls car but acknowledged that environmental factors, such as strong winds, hindered their efforts during Qualifying.
Looking Ahead
As the United States Grand Prix approaches, both Tsunoda and Lawson will need to navigate their rivalry while striving for team success. With the ongoing changes in driver line-ups and potential future placements, the dynamics of their competition will remain a focal point in the season.
