BREAKING NEWS: Honda Allegedly Paid 20 Million Euros to Secure Yuki Tsunoda’s Promotion, Leaving Liam Lawson Furious

In a shocking revelation, reliable sources indicate that Yuki Tsunoda’s promotion to Red Bull’s main team was not solely based on his personal achievements. Instead, reports claim that Honda, a major partner of Red Bull, played a significant financial role in securing Tsunoda’s seat. Allegedly, the Japanese manufacturer contributed a staggering 20 million Euros to facilitate the move, leaving young talent Liam Lawson sidelined and frustrated. The controversy surrounding this decision has sparked intense debate within the Formula 1 community, with fans and analysts questioning the meritocracy of Red Bull’s driver selection process.

A Controversial Promotion

Yuki Tsunoda, a promising Japanese driver, has been steadily improving since his debut in Formula 1 with AlphaTauri (now rebranded as RB). However, despite his development, many were surprised when Red Bull announced that he would be promoted to the senior team, bypassing Liam Lawson, who had impressed many with his substitute performances in 2023.

Insiders now claim that Honda, eager to maintain its strong presence in Formula 1 ahead of its full return in 2026, made a financial push to secure Tsunoda’s promotion. This alleged multi-million Euro payment has led to widespread speculation that Red Bull’s decision was influenced by political and financial factors rather than pure talent and performance on the track.

Liam Lawson Breaks Silence

The decision has left Liam Lawson, Red Bull’s highly-rated reserve driver, in a difficult position. Lawson had delivered outstanding performances when he stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo during the 2023 season, proving his capability at the highest level of motorsport. Many believed he was next in line for a promotion to the main team or, at the very least, a full-time seat at RB.

In response to the news, Lawson finally spoke up, expressing his disappointment and frustration. While he maintained professionalism in his public statements, sources close to the driver suggest he feels unfairly overlooked and disillusioned by Red Bull’s decision.

“I’ve always believed in earning my place through hard work and results on the track. This is not the outcome I expected, but I will keep pushing forward,” Lawson said in a brief statement.

His restrained words may not fully convey his true emotions, but fans and experts alike speculate that he is deeply frustrated by what appears to be a decision influenced by external factors rather than racing performance.

Red Bull and Honda Respond to Allegations

Neither Red Bull nor Honda have officially confirmed or denied the financial speculation. However, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner defended Tsunoda’s promotion, stating that his improvement and strong performances justified the move.

“Yuki has proven himself over the past few seasons, and we believe he deserves this opportunity,” Horner commented.

Meanwhile, Honda has remained silent on the allegations, further fueling the debate over its potential role in the decision.

What’s Next for Lawson?

With Red Bull’s main seats occupied and no clear pathway to a race seat in 2025, Lawson’s future remains uncertain. While he is still part of Red Bull’s program, this situation may push him to seek opportunities elsewhere in Formula 1.

As the controversy continues to unfold, fans eagerly await further clarification from Red Bull and Honda. Is this a case of strategic business decisions, or has Red Bull sacrificed sporting integrity for financial incentives? Only time will tell.