Yuki Tsunoda is having a challenging debut season with Red Bull. The Japanese driver, with his 28 accumulated World Championship points, is significantly behind his teammate Max Verstappen, who has already amassed 341 points. Red Bull has not yet made a decision about its driver lineup for 2026, giving Tsunoda three more Grands Prix and a sprint race to prove he deserves the second seat.
Red Bull is the only team that still needs to make a decision about its drivers for next year. Increasing signs point to the racing stable wanting to promote rookie Isack Hadjar to be Max Verstappen’s teammate. Formula 2 driver Arvid Lindblad would then move up to Racing Bulls. In this scenario, it seems there would only be one seat left for either Yuki Tsunoda or Liam Lawson. In the Las Vegas paddock, Tsunoda admits he feels the pressure – although the situation is all too familiar to him. “If I say I’m not nervous, that would be a lie,” says the Japanese driver. “It’s like last year, or even two years ago. I’m used to it; this is simply part of Formula 1.”
According to Tsunoda, his experience with contracts in Formula 1 helps him deal with the uncertainty. “The good thing is that I’ve been through this many times. I know what I need to do in the upcoming races. Ultimately, I can’t influence those decisions. What I can do is give my best. That’s what I enjoy, that’s why I’m here – and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Clear Goal in Mind
Outside the cockpit, nerves sometimes play up, Tsunoda admits. However, as soon as he steps into the RB21, everything fades away. “Yes, of course I’m nervous, especially outside of racing. But one of my strengths is that as soon as my helmet goes on, I forget everything and can just enjoy the Vegas atmosphere. There is still hope. I’m going to do what I can – whether it’s helping Max or the constructors’ championship. Being as close as possible to Max in qualifying is probably the most important thing. That’s what I’m focusing on and what I need to do.”
