Topics: Formula 1, Liam Lawson, Motorsport, Red Bull Racing
An awkward moment involving Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson has gone viral online after the pair swapped Red Bull seats ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
After a brief one week break, the 2025 Formula One season will get back underway for the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit this weekend.
Despite no races taking place, the F1 drama didn't slow down as Red Bull made the controversial decision to demote Lawson and replace him with Racing Bull driver Tsunoda after just two races.
And ahead this weekend's race, the two drivers were involved in a highly awkward exchange as they met for the first time since the swap was made.
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After Red Bull legend Sergio Perez was sacked following the end of the 2024 season, Lawson controversially came in as his replacement while Tsunoda remained at Racing Bulls with rookie driver Isack Hadjar.
But after Lawson failed to finish either Grand Prix or the sprint race in China higher than 12th, Red Bull made the call to pivot on their decision and swap the two drivers ahead of Tsunoda's home race in Japan.
In a clip that has gone viral on social media, the two drivers were caught in an awkward exchange as Hadjar accidentally lined up beside Tsunoda instead of Lawson the three drivers took pre-race photos with Max Verstappen and the Red Bull cars.
Since his disastrous arrival to F1 at the Australian Grand Prix, Hadjar appears to have grown close with former teammate Tsunoda, no doubt explaining why he made the mistake when lining up for the photo.
However, that didn't stop many fans from pointing out how uncomfortable and frustrated Lawson looked throughout the awkward moment.
Heading into the race, expectations on Tsunoda will be higher than he has ever dealt with, as Red Bull will hope that the 24-year-old can get their season back on track after a poor start.
Many fans expect the Japanese driver to struggle in his home race as it is believed that the current Red Bull car is far from being ready to challenge for race wins, but Tsunoda isn't letting that hold back his confidence.
"I don’t want to raise expectations too much, but for this Japanese Grand Prix, I want to finish on the podium,” Tsunoda told Autosport.
“That said, I know it won’t be easy right from the start.
"I spent about two days in the simulator. From that experience, I didn’t find the car to be that challenging to drive."
