Yuki Tsunoda has stated ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that he is willing to sacrifice his race for Max Verstappen. The Dutchman has a chance to secure his fifth world title at the Yas Marina Circuit, provided he wins the race and rival Lando Norris finishes off the podium. Tsunoda wants to ‘do everything I can’ to assist his teammate during his final race with Red Bull.
Max Verstappen has the opportunity to become world champion for the second time in his Formula 1 career in Abu Dhabi. The Dutchman starts the climax of the tumultuous 2025 season from pole position, with title rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in his wake. However, winning the race at the Yas Marina Circuit alone is not enough. Norris must also finish off the podium; only then will the Dutchman’s fifth title be a fact.
Yuki Tsunoda – who will have to make way for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull in 2026 – is willing to help Verstappen. The Japanese driver already gave the driver a slipstream during Q3 in qualifying, and now says he is willing to sacrifice his own race for his teammate. “I will do everything I can to help him,” Tsunoda tells the media in Abu Dhabi. “I will probably adjust my strategy, because with this position and how he finished, there is still a chance to win the championship, so I will do everything I can.”
Qualification
The Japanese driver has already received compliments from Red Bull for his help in qualifying. Tsunoda was happy to have made it to Q3 at all, so he could assist his teammate. “After the collision with Antonelli (during FP3 in the pit lane, ed.) I had to go back to the old floor, which honestly cost me quite a bit of performance in qualifying, so I expected it to be a tough session,” he explains. “Of course, the plan was to go to Q3 and help Max, but I was worried about it, given the specifications. I was able to help Max in the end, which gave him a bit more confidence.” Tsunoda starts the final race of the season from P10.
