Ralf Schumacher has suggested that Red Bull boss Christian Horner remains unconvinced by Yuki Tsunoda, despite promoting the Japanese star to the team this week.
Following several days of speculation, it was confirmed on Thursday that Tsunoda has replaced Liam Lawson at the Formula 1 giants, with the Kiwi racer heading back to Racing Bulls.
Lawson got the nod over his former team-mate to take the spot vacated by Sergio Perez during the off-season, but endured a dismal start to the year having failed to score points in either of his first two outings.
However, according to former F1 star Schumacher, there are doubts within the team over whether Tsunoda will be a significant upgrade
.
“Red Bull, it has to be acknowledged, would already have sunk into mediocrity if they didn’t have Max Verstappen, who somehow pulls the chestnuts out of the fire,” Schumacher told Sky Sports Germany.
“There is no internal agreement with the drivers, and then there is Dr. Marko. Because it was obvious that Dr. Marko wanted to bring two drivers from his own team to Red Bull.
“That implied either Tsunoda or Lawson. Horner has little regard for either of them.
Red Bull’s chances of winning the constructors’ championship again from the British team are slim as they now behind leaders McLaren by 42 points.
Concerns have also been raised over Verstappen’s ability to retain his drivers’ title, as the Dutchman already appears to be having trouble keeping up with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
At the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend, where Tsunoda will make his Red Bull debut in front of his home crowd, the team will try to turn around their struggling season.
However, Lawson will try to move past his disappointment by performing well at the Suzuka Circuit with new Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar.
