Motopark Boss Reflects on Lawson vs Tsunoda Rivalry
Motopark boss Timo Rumpfkeil reflects on the intense rivalry between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda during their time in the 2019 Euroformula Open series. The two young drivers, just teenagers at the time, were teammates at Motopark before finding themselves competing for a seat alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull in Formula 1.
Rumpfkeil describes the magnetic attraction between the two drivers, which seemed to result in frequent clashes on the track. He attributes this to the pressure and stakes involved, as both drivers were seen as the first measurement against each other due to their association with Red Bull.
Challenges Faced by Motopark in European Single-Seater Racing
The arrival of Lawson and Tsunoda at the Euroformula Open series came during a period of turbulent politics in European single-seater racing. Motopark, having narrowly lost out in the 2018 FIA Formula 3 European Championship, found themselves excluded from the new era of F3 that began in 2019. This forced the team to continue with existing machinery in the Euroformula Open series.
Jumping Between Machines and Sporting Regulations
Both Lawson and Tsunoda faced challenges due to their participation in multiple series throughout the season. Jumping between machines and dealing with the limitations imposed by FIA F3’s sporting regulations impacted their performance in the Euroformula Open series. Despite these obstacles, both drivers showed impressive speed and adaptability on track.
Lessons Learned and Future Prospects
The rivalry between Lawson and Tsunoda provided valuable lessons for both drivers. Rumpfkeil highlights the incidents and challenges they faced, emphasizing the learning opportunities that arose from their experiences in the Euroformula Open series. Looking ahead, he acknowledges the tough competition they will face, especially when going up against a formidable driver like Max Verstappen at Red Bull in Formula 1.
Overall, the article showcases the complexities and nuances of young drivers navigating the competitive world of motorsport, shedding light on the highs and lows of their journey towards potential success in Formula 1.
