Red Bull’s Decision: Yuki Tsunoda Steps Back for 2026
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies recently announced that Yuki Tsunoda will take on a test and reserve role for the 2026 season, a decision that reflects the team’s strategic priorities and the current performance dynamics within the sport. Isack Hadjar, who has shown promise in his rookie F1 campaign with Racing Bulls, will join Max Verstappen at Red Bull, while Tsunoda had been in the running to team up with rookie Arvid Lindblad at AlphaTauri. However, incumbent Liam Lawson secured the spot, leaving Tsunoda to step aside and take on a different role within the organization.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Journey with Red Bull
Tsunoda, who has been racing under the Red Bull banner for seven years, has seen a significant transformation during his time in Formula 1. Mekies, who has had the pleasure of working with Tsunoda at both Red Bull teams, praised his maturation into a “complete racer,” highlighting his capabilities over a single lap and in races. Tsunoda’s journey has been marked by both highs and lows, with his early performances in 2021 showing promise. However, his 2025 campaign, where he replaced the struggling Liam Lawson, did not live up to expectations. Despite his efforts, Tsunoda was outperformed by Max Verstappen in both qualifying and races, a stark contrast to Verstappen’s exceptional performance leading into a three-way title showdown.
Performance Analysis: Tsunoda vs. Verstappen
Mekies’ comments about Tsunoda’s abilities are nuanced. While he acknowledges Tsunoda’s potential, the Frenchman’s description of his one-lap pace as “good” suggests that there is room for improvement. The statistics back this up, with Tsunoda being 25-1 down on Verstappen in qualifying, translating to a 21-0 deficit in non-sprint sessions. This disparity is significant, as it highlights the gap between the two drivers. Tsunoda’s ability to deliver exceptional starts and demonstrate excellent race craft on Sundays is a testament to his talent, but the inconsistency in his overall performance has been a cause for concern.
Personal Qualities and Team Dynamics
Despite the performance issues, Mekies emphasizes Tsunoda’s personal qualities, describing his personality as “infectious” and his contribution to the Red Bull family as “very special.” This personal touch underscores the human side of the decision, recognizing Tsunoda’s value beyond his driving skills. Mekies’ appreciation for Tsunoda’s contributions over the years is a nod to the positive impact he has had on the team’s culture and morale. As Tsunoda transitions to a test and reserve role, his experience and potential are expected to provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects, contributing to the team’s long-term success.
Future Prospects and Team Strategy
The decision to move Tsunoda to a test and reserve role is part of Red Bull’s broader strategy to maintain a competitive edge in the upcoming seasons. With Isack Hadjar joining Verstappen, the team is investing in young talent with high potential, a strategy that has proven successful in the past. Hadjar’s promising debut with Racing Bulls and his potential to grow within the Red Bull ecosystem make him a valuable addition to the team. Meanwhile, Tsunoda’s role as a test and reserve driver will allow him to stay involved in the team’s development, ensuring that his skills and knowledge remain a part of the Red Bull family.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Yuki Tsunoda
In conclusion, Yuki Tsunoda’s transition to a test and reserve role for 2026 is a strategic move by Red Bull that balances the team’s immediate competitive needs with long-term development goals. While the decision is a reflection of the current performance dynamics, it also acknowledges Tsunoda’s potential and his positive impact on the team. As Tsunoda takes on this new role, the Red Bull family remains committed to supporting his growth and ensuring that his talents continue to contribute to the team’s success. This new chapter in Tsunoda’s career is an opportunity for him to refine his skills and potentially return to a race seat in the future, should the right circumstances arise.
