‘He’s not become the worst driver in two races’ – Ex-Red Bull junior Jaime Alguersuari sympathises with Liam Lawson after Racing Bulls demotion

“I remember when he debuted in F1, everyone was questioning him, then he did a great job. It happened to me when I entered F1, everyone was questioning it and saying, ‘This is not a racing school, he should have more experience.’

“Yuki got better step by step and now he’s a very solid driver, getting the maximum out of his car. Last year, he did a great test for Red Bull in Abu Dhabi, and they didn’t give him the seat. Now it’s switched and I would say, if I were him, knowing that probably he is in his prime… I wouldn’t feel like there’s so much pressure on me.

READ MORE: From rookie rage to an ‘outstanding’ all-rounder – Tsunoda’s rollercoaster ride to a Red Bull seat

“It’s Yuki’s home Grand Prix, he knows very well the track, he’s coming from very solid, consistent races, with good performances. He’s very motivated to step into the big team, so I think it’s going to go well for him, honestly.

“I would be surprised if he is much slower than Max. I think he’ll be slower, but I don’t think he’ll be more than half a second, six-tenths slower. Making a better job of what Liam did in the first two races is something quite achievable, even though I don’t think it’s fair on Liam [to be dropped].

“To keep that Red Bull seat for a long time? I don’t know. You never know with Red Bull. At least he’s in the best situation possible of any of their junior drivers [in recent times], I would say.”