In a stunning turn of events that has set the Formula 1 world alight, Liam Lawson has just unleashed a jaw-dropping statement aimed at his rival Yuki Tsunoda, mere minutes ago as of 9:51 PM PDT on March 31, 2025. The New Zealand driver, recently demoted from Red Bull to Racing Bulls after a challenging start to the 2025 season, didn’t hold back in addressing the criticism swirling around his former team and Tsunoda’s sudden promotion. Lawson’s unexpected outburst—“He’s had his shot, and I’ve proven I’m the better driver”—has reignited their long-standing rivalry and thrown fresh fuel on the fire of Red Bull’s controversial driver swap decision.

The drama unfolded after Red Bull confirmed last week that Lawson would be replaced by Tsunoda ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, following just two races where Lawson struggled to adapt to the tricky RB21 car. His lackluster performances in Australia and China—failing to score points and qualifying at the back—prompted the team to bring in the more experienced Tsunoda, a move that drew sharp criticism from fans and even reigning champion Max Verstappen. Many saw it as a harsh and premature axing of Lawson, who had been touted as a high-potential talent. But tonight, Lawson fired back, not at Red Bull, but directly at Tsunoda, claiming their junior racing history and brief F1 stints together prove his superiority.

Lawson’s bombshell statement references their time as teammates in Formula 3 and Euroformula Open, where he consistently outperformed the Japanese driver. “I beat him in F3, I beat him in New Zealand, and even in F1 last year, I showed what I can do,” Lawson declared, alluding to his 2023 stint with Racing Bulls when he stepped in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo. While Tsunoda has more F1 experience, with over 90 races under his belt, Lawson argues that raw talent trumps tenure. “He’s had years to prove himself, and Red Bull still chose me first. That says it all,” he added, a pointed jab at Tsunoda’s initial snub for the Red Bull seat.

The timing of Lawson’s outburst couldn’t be more explosive, coming just days before Tsunoda’s debut with Red Bull at his home race in Suzuka. Fans are already speculating about the pressure this places on Tsunoda, who must now deliver in a car even Verstappen has called “difficult.” Meanwhile, Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls alongside rookie Isack Hadjar offers him a chance to rebuild his confidence and prove his point on the track. Social media is ablaze, with some hailing Lawson’s defiance as a sign of his fighting spirit, while others see it as sour grapes after his demotion.

Whatever the fallout, Lawson’s statement has turned a simmering rivalry into an all-out war. As the F1 circus heads to Japan, all eyes will be on these two drivers—one aiming to justify Red Bull’s faith, the other determined to show he was never the weak link. This bombshell ensures the drama is far from over.