Liam Lawson Reveals Strange Intimidation Tactic Used by Yuki Tsunoda
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Liam Lawson reveals a strange intimidation tactic used by Yuki Tsunoda during their time as Red Bull juniors. Lawson recounts a tense moment at the 2019 Macau Grand Prix and their rivalry on track.
Red Bull juniors and former rivals, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, have shared some fascinating insights into their time racing together. Lawson, now with Red Bull's junior team VCARB, revealed an unusual intimidation tactic that Tsunoda used to try to rattle him during their early years in the lower Formula ranks. This tactic ultimately caught up with Tsunoda at the 2019 Macau Grand Prix, where it backfired.
Rivals in the Junior Ranks
Although both Lawson and Tsunoda came through Red Bull’s junior program, their paths to Formula 1 have been different. Lawson spent two years in Formula 3 before stepping up to Formula 2, with additional time in Japan’s Super Formula, while Tsunoda moved up the ladder more quickly. Tsunoda spent just one year in F3 before advancing to F2 and making his F1 debut in 2021.
Despite their differing journeys, Lawson and Tsunoda have often found themselves racing against each other. The duo is now teammates at Red Bull’s junior team, VCARB, with Lawson in contention for a future seat with the senior Red Bull team. However, sources indicate that Tsunoda, despite his post-season run in the RB20, is not currently in the running for a senior seat.
The Intimidation Tactic Revealed
During an appearance on the Red Flag podcast, Lawson opened up about a strange on-track tactic used by Tsunoda that was aimed at intimidating him. Lawson explained that during the 2019 season, when they were in different series, Tsunoda would intentionally try to get as close as possible to him during practice and qualifying sessions, especially when Lawson was on a cool-down lap.
“Yuki used to do this thing, the first year that we were teammates was 2019,” Lawson recalled. “In FIA F3 we weren’t teammates, [but] we did Euroformula Open at the same time, and we were teammates in that. I got to know him pretty well. All year, in a practice session or a qualifying session, whenever I was on a cool-down lap, Yuki would come past me, he would always insist on just getting as close to me as possible. I don’t know if he was trying to scare me or what. He did this all year.”
Macau Grand Prix Incident
The tactic finally caught up with Tsunoda during the 2019 Macau Grand Prix. Lawson was racing for MP Motorsport while Tsunoda was with Hitech Grand Prix, and both were instructed by Helmut Marko to avoid crashing during the first session to ensure they had enough time to prepare for qualifying.
Lawson recalls how Tsunoda once again tried to get close to him on track during the first lap, but this time it backfired spectacularly. “I complete it, I cool down, and I see Yuki coming in the rearview,” Lawson said. “I’m trying to get out of his way, I’m up against a brick wall. And as he comes past me, he just clips my front wheel, goes flying and straight into the barrier.”
According to Lawson, Tsunoda’s crash destroyed his car’s gearbox and caused Lawson’s suspension to break, taking him out of the session. However, Lawson was not fooled by the incident. “I remember thinking, ‘I know exactly what you did,’” he explained. “Nobody else knows. Everyone just thinks that we’ve had a clumsy little crash. But I know what he’s done. I know that he’s tried to get close, and he’s obviously hit a bump because it’s Macau and he misjudged it.”
Tsunoda’s Reaction
In a humorous twist, Tsunoda did not deny the incident when they later crossed paths. Lawson remembers seeing Tsunoda in the elevator that evening. “I saw him in the elevator that night. I remember the elevator doors opening the first time I saw him, and he’s standing there, and I looked at him. He smiled at me, and I knew straight away that he knew exactly what he had done,” Lawson shared.
Lawson’s Rise in F1
Despite his rocky start in Formula 1, Lawson is making strides in the VCARB team. So far, he has scored four points in his first three races with the team. As he continues to impress, it remains to be seen whether he will get the call-up to replace Sergio Perez in the senior Red Bull team in the near future.
Conclusion: A Complicated Relationship
The relationship between Lawson and Tsunoda has certainly had its ups and downs, with the on-track rivalry and intimidation tactics adding an intriguing layer to their careers. With both now working together at VCARB, the dynamics between the two Red Bull juniors will undoubtedly evolve as they push for their spots in Formula 1’s top teams.
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