Yuki Tsunoda Reflects on Red Bull Decision
Yuki Tsunoda’s demeanor during the F175 season launch at London’s O2 Arena spoke volumes. Sitting alongside his new Racing Bulls team-mate Isack Hadjar, team principal Laurent Mekies, and CEO Peter Bayer, Tsunoda faced an international audience for the first time since learning that Liam Lawson had been chosen over him for the seat alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull. The second question, second only to a snarky query about the team’s latest name change, was predictably about his immediate future. Tsunoda’s expression, a mix of resignation and discomfort, aptly captured the moment. His response was measured, revealing a sense of acceptance: “I already kind of parked it away from my head. The moment they [Red Bull] officially announced [Lawson], I didn’t actually feel super-super angry or disappointed. Maybe I was prepared at some point.”
The Decision’s Aftermath
Tsunoda’s composure belied a deeper emotional struggle. His long-anticipated test in a Red Bull car, announced last year, seemed more like a consolation prize, a gesture that felt hollow in the wake of Lawson’s selection. Tsunoda attempted to remain positive, calling it "a pretty cool project" despite his evident uncertainty. The team’s fluid identity, having changed names three times since Tsunoda joined in 2021, added to the sense of instability. Tsunoda even quipped about the frequent name changes, joking, “I don’t know, maybe this team changes its name again next year and it’s a different team!” This levity masked the underlying reality: Tsunoda’s time with Red Bull is running out.
The Legacy and Future
Historically, Red Bull juniors have been given three seasons before being replaced, and Tsunoda is entering his fifth. This extended tenure speaks to several factors: the need to maintain Honda’s partnership, the lack of suitable replacements, and Tsunoda’s rapid progression through European single-seater racing. However, maturity—or the lack thereof—has often been cited as the primary reason for his being passed over. Despite making progress, Tsunoda’s erratic behavior on track and frequent rants over the team radio continue to raise doubts. Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s "driver advisor," still holds some hope, but Honda’s move to Aston Martin from 2026 diminishes a key reason for keeping Tsunoda in the mix.
Tsunoda’s Determination
Despite the setbacks, Tsunoda remains determined. “I would love to be part of this team, I’m going to stick to what I’m doing. I understand why they chose Liam. It is what it is. There are things I can’t control… I just need to keep focused on what I’m doing, prove myself more,” he stated. The greatest sportspeople understand the importance of focusing on what they can control. By absorbing the reasons behind Red Bull’s decision and channeling his efforts into maximizing his potential, Tsunoda can become a more complete driver. This season will be a critical test, and proving his worth will be essential.
The Path Forward
Getting the better of Hadjar will be a significant measure of Tsunoda’s progress, but he has already outperformed Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo without reaping the rewards. Red Bull’s next big hope, Arvid Lindblad, is moving to Formula 2 this season and will soon be a formidable competitor. Despite his determination to stay within the Red Bull family, Tsunoda might benefit from exploring other opportunities. As he put it, “So, yeah, whatever happens, you know, there can be interesting options…” The coming season will be a crucible, testing Tsunoda’s resolve and potential, and potentially opening new doors.
Conclusion
Yuki Tsunoda’s journey at Red Bull has been marked by both promise and struggle. While the decision to choose Liam Lawson over him is a testament to the intense competition within the organization, Tsunoda’s response reflects a growing maturity and determination to prove his worth. The future may hold uncertainties, but Tsunoda’s resilience and focus on what he can control offer a glimmer of hope. Whether he stays with Red Bull or finds success elsewhere, the next few months will be crucial in defining his path forward.
