The Formula 1 paddock is in the midst of controversy, with Yuki Tsunoda having officially filed a complaint with Red Bull Racing, expressing his dissatisfaction with the significant pay gap between him and fellow driver Liam Lawson. According to sources close to the Japanese driver, Tsunoda discovered he was earning $1 million less than Lawson, a revelation that has sparked internal tensions at Red Bull.
Tsunoda, who races for AlphaTauri (now RB), has put in consistently strong performances and has become a fan favourite thanks to his aggressive driving style and outspoken manner. However, the recent revelation over his salary has left him frustrated, especially after discovering that Lawson, a test and reserve driver, was paid significantly more during his time on the grid.
Tsunoda, in a bold move, not only highlighted the pay gap but also publicly revealed Max Verstappen’s current salary , which is a staggering $65 million per year . This revelation surprised many members of the F1 community and reignited the debate over pay equity and transparency in the sport.
“It’s not just about money, it’s about respect and fairness,” Tsunoda told a source close to Japanese media. “I give my all for this team and to find out that I’m earning less than someone who races less is disappointing. And then when you see Max’s salary, it’s another world.”
Red Bull are yet to release an official statement on the matter, but insiders suggest that team management are trying to calm the situation privately. While Verstappen’s salary reflects his status as a three-time world champion and his market value, the disparity has reignited the debate over driver pay across the grid, especially at junior teams.
Fans expressed their support for Tsunoda on social media, with hashtags such as #JusticeForYuki and #PayTsunodaFairly trending shortly after the news broke. Some commentators also expressed concerns about the transparency of Red Bull’s driver management structure.
The incident comes at a delicate time for the team, as Red Bull continues to dominate the constructors’ standings but faces increasing scrutiny over its internal dynamics. Faced with rising tensions and media attention, the team will have to tread carefully to maintain unity as the second half of the season approaches.
As for Tsunoda, the future remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: he is no longer willing to remain silent.
