Yuki Tsunoda reveals how he was informed by advisor Helmut Marko that he would have to make way for Isack Hadjar in 2026. The Japanese driver is being demoted to the role of reserve driver by Red Bull, following a disappointing debut season with the Austrians. Although Tsunoda sees his new job as a good opportunity to learn more, he is disappointed about his demotion: ‘But surprisingly, I’m doing well’.
Yuki Tsunoda, following the likes of Pierre Gasly, Alexander Albon, and Sergio Pérez, is the next teammate of Max Verstappen to be dismissed by Red Bull. The Japanese driver was informed after the GP Qatar that he would have to give up his seat to Isack Hadjar in 2026. In his 21 race starts as a driver for the Austrians, Tsunoda only secured 30 points, compared to the 360 World Championship points Verstappen secured in the same period.
However, the driver is extremely disappointed that his Formula 1 adventure, at least for now, is coming to an end. “Of course I’m disappointed and angry,” Tsunoda honestly tells PlanetF1. “I was told by Helmut, privately, just after the race in Qatar, that I wouldn’t be racing next year. But surprisingly, I’m doing well. Not good, but I’m managing. The next morning I ordered breakfast as usual, the same as always. Maybe I’ll only really realize it after Abu Dhabi.”
Red Bull Contract
Shortly after the announcement of Tsunoda’s demotion, Red Bull also immediately reported that the Japanese driver would remain as a reserve driver. According to the driver, however, he had no other choice. “Well, I had no other options,” he says when asked if actively seeking a seat elsewhere was an option. “The point is that I had a contract, so I couldn’t do much. I had a few offers from outside, but my contract doesn’t really allow me to talk to them much, anyway. That’s why I was really focused on Red Bull. My priority over the past few years has also been the Red Bull family, because this is where I grew up.”
