Yuki Tsunoda has revealed that he will likely not just be the test and reserve driver for Red Bull in 2026. The Japanese driver was demoted to this role after a disappointing season as Max Verstappen‘s teammate, but according to Tsunoda, there is a chance he will be involved in more than just his required duties. “I’ve heard that there are various scenarios possible,” Tsunoda said.
Yuki Tsunoda made his debut as a Red Bull driver this season, but less than a year later, he has already lost his seat next to Max Verstappen. The Austrian racing team is replacing the Japanese driver with Isack Hadjar in 2026, while Tsunoda takes on the role of reserve driver. However, the Japanese driver does not see this as the end of his Formula 1 career.
“There is a chance that I will not only be involved with simulator work and my role as a reserve driver next year,” the driver remains cryptic, speaking to DAZN Japan. “I’ve heard that there are various scenarios possible. For now, I’m going to rest and then start training for the next season. I’m only 25, so there’s still a lot of room for improvement. This is just the beginning. Maybe one chapter is ending, but I’m curious to see how I can develop further from here.”
‘The World Didn’t End’
Despite the positive attitude with which Yuki Tsunoda approaches his new role at Red Bull, he admits to feeling ‘disappointed and angry’ upon hearing the news of his departure. “I was informed after the race in Qatar, but honestly, it didn’t seem real at first,” the driver candidly shares. “I had prepared myself for this possibility, but the news was different from what I had previously heard, so it was a surprise. I heard that the decision might have been changed just before I was informed. I’m sure there were many reasons for this. When they told me I wouldn’t have a seat next year, it wasn’t as if the world was ending. We still had Abu Dhabi, so I was only thinking about the next race.”
