Liam Lawson has hit back at Yuki Tsunoda after the Japanese driver fuelled speculation that he could replace the Red Bull driver.

Lawson has endured a horror start at Red Bull and some reports suggest he could even be replaced by Tsunoda after only two races.

The next race is incidentally the Japanese Grand Prix – Tsunoda’s home event. Asked if he would be willing to replace Lawson and drive alongside Max Verstappen, the Racing Bulls star said: “Yes, why not?

“[I would race for Red Bull in] Japan, yes, 100 per cent. The car [at Red Bull] is faster, I know that for sure.”

When Tsunoda’s comments were put to him, Lawson said: “He can say what he wants, to be honest. I raced against him for years in the junior categories and I beat him. And I did that in F1 as well. He can say what he wants, but it’s obviously extremely tough. It’s not something I enjoy and I’m honestly working as hard as I can.

“I don’t have time to test the car and get used to it, because we are already in the season and every race we lose points. That’s what I meant when I said I don’t have time. But I’m not stupid, I know I’m here to perform and if I don’t do that, I’m gone. I’m focused on getting used to the car as quickly as possible.

“We’re not happy and none of us are happy. I don’t know what else to say about that.”

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