The news had been in the air for days, or rather for weeks. Maybe even before the season started. Yes, because when Red Bull chooses its second driver, you already know what he will have to face. It's a seat that talks anything but about glory. Like all those in the top series, it talks about dreams, sweat and fatigue, but also about ruthless judgement and non-existent time.
Formula 1 runs fast, but drivers who arrive in new teams should be given time to adapt, to learn about the environment and the car they drive. Because every car has its own peculiarities. Whether they are more experienced drivers or rookies, a break-in period is necessary for everyone. Yet at Red Bull this time does not seem to be contemplated.
The decision to relegate Liam Lawson after just two races to make room for Yuki Tsunoda in the second seat of the top team is yet another demonstration of this. A ruthless game with the dreams of those who have worked and sacrificed so much to get there, only to see themselves snatched the opportunity even before they could really prove their worth. A cycle that has been repeated for years, with young drivers thrown into the fire and then burned in a few races.
Because anyone who drives alongside of Max Verstappen must immediately perform at his level, even if the car is defined by many as difficult to drive, even if the seat immediately begins to wobble. And when the results don't come immediately, it's never the team's fault, the project, the conditions. It's always the driver. Previously chosen and praised, then labelled as an obvious failure.
A circle that has been advancing for a long time, each time deluding the newcomers that with them it will be different. But will it really be different?
Red Bull continues to play with the drivers as if they were puppets. Inanimate cheaks of a game without rules. But how much longer before the limit is reached?
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