Pierre Gasly has offered guidance to Yuki Tsunoda as the Japanese driver’s position at Red Bull remains uncertain beyond this season. With the spotlight on Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull prospects intensifying, Gasly, who has faced similar challenges himself, encourages Tsunoda to focus on performance despite external pressures.
Gasly, who previously was Max Verstappen’s teammate before returning to the sister team mid-season in 2019, understands well the unique pressures within Red Bull’s driver program. His experience also includes witnessing how teammates like Alex Albon have moved through the system under similar scrutiny.
Mixed Results and Rising Competition in Red Bull’s Driver Lineup
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies recently commended Tsunoda’s showing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where the driver finished sixth, a personal best with Red Bull. However, he ended the race just behind Liam Lawson, the driver he replaced in the senior team. This result highlights Tsunoda’s ongoing struggle to cement his place amid stiff competition within the Red Bull ranks.
Adding to the pressure are rumors about Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, who is linked with a potential promotion to Red Bull’s lineup for the 2026 season. This looming possibility further clouds Tsunoda’s future with the team, as his contract status remains unsettled beyond year-end.
Gasly Offers Insight on Managing Pressure and Growing as a Driver
Gasly, who has secured a contract with Alpine until 2028, has been candid in his conversations with Tsunoda, offering support and advice on how to handle the uncertainty and demands of competing at the highest level of Formula 1.
I think every single situation is quite specific, and we all manage it or process it in different ways,
Gasly said.
He elaborated on the need for Tsunoda to identify the best approach for his personal mindset and performance:
So I think it kind of depends how you ask as an individual, as an athlete, what might work for you, what may not work for you, and the sort of support and environment you need around you.
Gasly stressed the importance of focusing on the fundamental aim in this competitive environment.
I mean, this is stuff that I talk with Yuki, obviously, very openly. We have a good relationship, and I think, ultimately, he needs to work out what’s the best way of focusing on the performance because, at the end of the day, the only thing that matters when you’re in a competitive sport is the performance you put out there.
He recommended that Tsunoda should concentrate on minimizing distractions to bring out his best on track.
[You’ve] got to figure out the limitations you’re facing, what’s your best chances of displaying your skills in the best possible way. So I think that’s the main thing, cutting the noise.
Recognizing the intense public scrutiny around Red Bull drivers, Gasly warned about the constant presence of distractions and how they can affect focus:
Obviously, there are always going to be a lot of talks, a lot of noise around. You need to find a way that it just doesn’t get to your head.
He encouraged Tsunoda to maintain a growth mindset despite fluctuating fortunes throughout the season.
I think, at the end of the day, you’ve just got to wake up every day thinking: ‘How am I going to get better at what I’m doing?’
Whether you go through better times or challenging times, that’s the only question that will push you forward, and hopefully that’s what he manages to to do until the end of the year.
Looking Ahead: Red Bull’s Driver Decisions for 2026
Red Bull has signaled it will take its time before finalizing the driver lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season, leaving Tsunoda’s future uncertain for now. This ongoing evaluation reflects the team’s high standards and continual search for the best talent, enhanced by the emergence of promising drivers like Isack Hadjar.
Gasly’s advice underscores how critical it is for Tsunoda to focus on his own development and performance, rather than the external talk surrounding contracts and potential replacements. With every driver contract and racing seat in flux, maintaining composure and clarity will be essential.
As Red Bull’s plans evolve, the pressure to deliver measurable results on track will only intensify, making Tsunoda’s approach to managing expectations and “cutting the noise” crucial for securing his place within the team.
