After speculation post-Chinese Grand Prix, it’s official: Yuki Tsunoda will join Red Bull Racing starting in his home grand prix.

So, the question is: For how many races? Suzuka and Bahrain are said to be Tsunoda’s. But at this point, who knows, really? Only Red Bull is to be blamed for putting themselves in this predicament. And we wish Yuki all the luck.

While it was only fair to give Yuki the seat this season (he has 89 Formula 1 starts, has proven he deserves a shot, and has had a strong start to the season), it’s also the timing and the circumstance of finally getting the chance to drive for Red Bull.

He has not tested the tricky-to-handle RB21. And for his home race? That’s even more pressure right there. Every driver wants to do well in his home race. A big positive, though, is that Yuki drives well around Suzuka. He scored a point there last year.

As for Liam Lawson, demoting him back to Racing Bulls after just two races is just harsh. Two races. Whatever happened to Christian Horner suggesting they were going to give Lawson the time he needed? The Kiwi driver has admitted time is not on his side, so to be fair, let’s say half a season would’ve been a reasonable time. Suzuka (a track he’s more familiar with) and races after that would have given him more time to understand the Red Bull RB21.

This won’t do Lawson’s confidence any good. Moving back to Racing Bulls, however, may help him gain it back.

Honestly, can this really be called a demotion, when the Racing Bulls VCARB 02 is said to be a better car than the RB21?

Tsunoda will want to impress where others have struggled to do so. But mind you, Red Bull has admitted it has a difficult car. If he does, then we can expect him to retain the seat for the rest of the season. Unless Lawson also impresses back at Racing Bulls, and he’s given another shot at RBR. And then there’s Isack Hadjar, who has also impressed so far.