Yuki Tsunoda’s tenure with Red Bull Racing is concluding as the Japanese driver will leave his race seat at the end of F1 2025. The team has confirmed Isack Hadjar and Max Verstappen for next season, while Arvid Lindblad joins Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Transition to Test and Reserve Driver
Although Tsunoda will not continue as a racing driver, he will retain a connection to the Red Bull program. He is set to serve as the test and reserve driver for F1 2026.
Background on Tsunoda’s F1 Career
- Tsunoda debuted with AlphaTauri in 2021.
- His breakout season came in 2022, partnering with Pierre Gasly.
- He faced competition from Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo.
Despite his efforts, Tsunoda was overlooked when Red Bull opted for Liam Lawson to replace Sergio Perez at the end of F1 2024. This decision raised questions about his future within the team.
Performance Insights
Tsunoda’s disappointment was temporary as he was called up after Lawson’s struggle in the early races of the season. He made his return during the Japanese Grand Prix but could not match Verstappen’s performance.
Recent races showed some improvement from Tsunoda, particularly during the opening lap of the Qatar Sprint. However, overall contributions to the team have not met expectations.
Future Outlook
With Isack Hadjar demonstrating potential at Racing Bulls and Arvid Lindblad on the edge of promotion, Tsunoda faced increased competition for a seat in F1 2026. As a result, after five seasons, his current racing career has come to an end.
Tsunoda will take on a vital role as the test and reserve driver, a position previously held by Alex Albon before his successful return to the grid with Williams. This new chapter leaves Tsunoda poised to continue his journey in Formula 1, albeit off-track for the time being.
