Yuki Tsunoda’s prospects at Red Bull’s Formula One outfit are looking increasingly precarious following the team’s latest driver reshuffle, which sees him sidelined in favour of fresh talent. While Tsunoda will remain with the newly renamed Racing Bulls next year, he appears to be losing ground as the team seeks new directions.
The flurry of announcements from Red Bull culminated on Friday with the confirmation that 20-year-old Isack Hadjar will be Tsunoda’s teammate. Hadjar steps into the seat left vacant by New Zealander Liam Lawson, who has been promoted to partner with four-time world champion Max Verstappen after the departure of Mexican driver Sergio Perez.
At 24, Tsunoda is set to begin his fifth season with the team, previously known as AlphaTauri. His long-standing ties to Red Bull’s engine partner, Honda, have kept him connected to the organisation, but the Japanese manufacturer’s decision to leave Red Bull by the end of 2025 in favour of a partnership with Aston Martin complicates matters.
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, acknowledged the situation while addressing reporters. “We’re acutely aware that if we’re not able to provide an opportunity for Yuki [at Red Bull] in all honesty this year, does it make sense to keep him on?” Horner asked. “You can’t have a driver in the support team for five years. You can’t always be the bridesmaid.”
Horner revealed that he has spoken with Tsunoda, who is currently enjoying a break in Japan, and that the driver remains eager to showcase his capabilities. “I think he’s very determined. He knows that things change very quickly,” Horner noted. “Who would have thought nine months ago that we’d be sitting here talking about Liam Lawson being our driver for 2025? Things change quickly in this industry, and he’s aware of that.”
The Racing Bulls, based in Italy and historically a feeder team for Red Bull Racing, have seen numerous drivers graduate to the main squad, including champions like Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen, as well as race winners such as Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and Carlos Sainz.
Hadjar is amongst several promising young prospects entering the sport, while Red Bull is also keeping an eye on 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad, who impressed during his rookie season in Formula Three, including claiming victory at Silverstone. Horner holds Lindblad in high regard, but as he currently lacks a super-licence, Lindblad will need to accumulate the necessary points in New Zealand early next year. A successful campaign in Formula Two could see him in contention for promotion in 2026, potentially at Tsunoda’s expense.
As it stands, Tsunoda faces an uphill battle to secure his future within the Red Bull framework, where the pressures of performance and results could determine the next steps for both him and the team.
