Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has set Yuki Tsunoda a straightforward but crucial goal – to stay as “close as possible” to Max Verstappen during their upcoming races. Tsunoda, 24, was confirmed as the replacement for Liam Lawson just one week ago, after the New Zealander was dropped following a difficult start to the 2025 season.

This weekend will mark Tsunoda’s first partnership with four-time world champion Verstappen, as the Japanese driver takes to the track at Suzuka in front of a home crowd.

With Red Bull currently sitting third in the constructors’ standings after two races, Tsunoda has been tasked with helping the team by staying close to Verstappen, who is second in the drivers’ championship, just eight points behind leader Lando Norris of McLaren.

“In the end, Red Bull Racing is focused on Max’s drivers’ championship,” Tsunoda told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Max has shown he has the potential to be a world champion, even though Red Bull has faced some struggles recently. Performance-wise, [Horner] wants me to stay as close as possible to Max.”

Tsunoda added that, while he may assist with strategy in certain races, Horner assured him that if he finds himself ahead of Verstappen during a race, he won’t be forced to swap positions in favor of Verstappen’s victory.

The Lawson Situation

Liam Lawson, initially promoted to Red Bull’s second seat for 2025, was reassigned to Racing Bulls after a challenging start to the season. Lawson qualified 18th in the season opener in Melbourne, crashed out of the race, and struggled further in China, where he qualified last and finished 14th and 12th in the sprint and main Grand Prix, respectively. Verstappen’s apparent disagreement with Lawson’s demotion was noticeable when he ‘liked’ an Instagram post from former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde, which described the move as a “panic decision.”

Tsunoda, who has been part of Red Bull’s second team since his F1 debut in 2021, has yet to speak with Verstappen since replacing Lawson. “I’ve mentioned before that Max is different on and off the track,” Tsunoda explained. “I’m not too worried about how our relationship will develop. I know what I need to focus on, and I understand how he drives and thinks.”

Looking Ahead to the Japanese Grand Prix

As Tsunoda prepares for his home Grand Prix on Sunday, he has modest goals in mind. “Of course, I want to aim for points or even a podium,” he said. “But realistically, considering I’m jumping into a new car with limited practice sessions, it’s going to be tough. For now, if I can finish in the top 10 and score points, I’ll be happy.”

Catch the full Tsunoda interview on 5 Live Formula 1, airing Thursday at 20:00 BST.

Tsunoda’s Key Insights:

• Target: Stay as close as possible to Max Verstappen for team success.
• No forced position swaps if ahead of Verstappen during a race.
• Modest goals for Suzuka: Aim for top 10, points finish in home Grand Prix.