Helmut Marko would replace Lawson "quite quickly" says Ralf Schumacher

Ralf Schumacher claims that "if it were up to Helmut Marko", Liam Lawson would be replaced at Red Bull "quite quickly."

The pressure is already mounting on the New Zealander after another difficult weekend. Although it is only the start of a very long Formula 1 season, reports are already beginning to emerge that Lawson could potentially be replaced at Red Bull by Yuki Tsunoda in the coming weeks.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Schumacher argued that the "Red Bull is anything but good at the moment." Four-time champion Max Verstappen is also struggling with the car, although not to the same extent. The Dutchman finished the Chinese Grand Prix in fourth and celebrated on the second step of the podium in Australia.

Schumacher commented:

"I think if it were up to the Dr. [Marko], it would happen quite quickly. However, one must also consider that the Red Bull is anything but good at the moment. That means a young, new driver comes in and has to go up against arguably the best driver of the current Formula 1 era - someone who has spent years developing the car around himself.

Liam Lawson, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

"So no matter who you put in that seat, I suspect he would be sent home again after two or three races. Therefore, I would recommend keeping things as they are for now and focusing on improving the car.

"Last year, Sergio Perez performed well at the start of the season because the car was good, and he struggled towards the end because the car became difficult to drive."

Lawson has acknowledged that he doesn't have a lot of time to improve. He explained after qualifying:

"I think it's just time. Unfortunately I don't really have time, but it's just one of those things. I mean to drive a Formula 1 car, it takes 100% confidence in what you're doing and it's not that I don't feel confident, but the window's so small that right now I just seem to miss it. It's that that I just need to get a handle on.

"So yeah, I don't know how else to put it really, it's just not good enough."