Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies confirms that Yuki Tsunoda‘s performances are not yet meeting the team’s standards. The decision on the line-up for 2026 is approaching, but so far, the Japanese driver has not proven himself enough in the eyes of the team management. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar is already being mentioned as a possible successor to Tsunoda in the main team.
Yuki Tsunoda experienced a slight resurgence in recent races, with point finishes in both the sprint race and the main race in Austin. However, the gap to teammate Max Verstappen remains large; the Dutchman dominated both races and claimed his fifth victory of the season. In the run-up to the Mexico City GP, Laurent Mekies admitted that he expects more from Tsunoda.
“We always want more,” the team boss declared to the media present. “I’m not going to say it’s good enough, because the numbers don’t lie.” He emphasized that the team does see progress, but the level is still below par. “I can’t say it’s good enough – nobody feels that, not even Tsunoda himself,” Mekies continued. “All I can say is that he has driven two good races and is indeed making progress. But is it good enough? No.”
Isack Hadjar’s Potential Role
According to sources within the team, Red Bull will make a final decision on who will accompany Sergio Perez next season after the race weekend in Mexico. Tsunoda could potentially be replaced by Isack Hadjar, who impressed this season during his debut with Racing Bulls. While the Japanese driver never advanced beyond P6, Hadjar scored his first podium in Zandvoort. If the latter is promoted, it remains to be seen whether Tsunoda will return to the sister team next year. Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad is being groomed for a debut in the premier class.
For the remaining races, however, Tsunoda remains important for Red Bull, as Mekies emphasized. “I think there is still a role for Yuki,” he explained. “On the one hand, because we are fighting for our position in the constructors’ championship. On the other hand, his speed influences how we distribute the tests across the different cars. We have often said, ‘We are trying this or that out on the car.’ For this, it is important that Tsunoda shows his pace. He can also play a role in battles and strategies,” Mekies concluded. “There may even come a time when we are fighting two against two,” he hinted at the title fight with McLaren.
