Yuki Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1 is far from certain. The 25-year-old driver finally made it to the Red Bull main team this year, only to fall prey to four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Tsunoda rarely managed to compete against the Dutchman, and now, like all Red Bull teammates before him, he is at risk of losing his seat. In the run-up to the sprint weekend in Qatar, the Japanese driver opens up about his future.
Red Bull plans to make a decision about the line-ups for 2026 after the GP in Qatar. A spot in the main team is on the horizon for Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar; he is expected to become the second driver next to Verstappen. Tsunoda could return to Racing Bulls, but even there, competition is fierce. Formula 2 promise Arvid Lindblad may be promoted, leaving only one seat for either Liam Lawson or Tsunoda. The one who misses out will have to settle for a role as a test and reserve driver.
However, Yuki Tsunoda does not see that happening. During the media day in Qatar, he was asked if he would consider a gap year as a reserve. “I honestly don’t think about that,” he responded. “I don’t know, but I’m not planning something like that. Of course, I want to drive at the front and help Max Verstappen,” he added. “If that works out, it’s positive for me and good for my future. That doesn’t mean I’m frustrated about my situation now. The situation has actually been the same since the start of the season.”
‘I still have everything in my own hands’
Now that a decision is imminent, Tsunoda revealed that he does know something. “I know something that I can’t share with you yet,” he said mysteriously. “But most people can guess it. Besides, I don’t know what’s going to happen. Let’s wait and see. The final decision has not been made; I still have everything in my own hands. I’m going to try to support Max as best I can. That’s what I’m focusing on, and then I’ll see how the season ends.”
“We first have to see how the qualification goes,” he continued, with an eye on the upcoming sprint weekend. “If I’m right behind Max, I know what I have to do. And if I’m driving in front of him – although that’s unlikely – then it’s also clear what my role is. We might feel a bit more pressure now because of Max’s title chances. Moreover, we can still finish second in the constructors’ championship. It’s going to be two exciting weekends.”
