In an electrifying development for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Yuki Tsunoda has been promoted to the prestigious Red Bull Racing team, taking a seat alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen. This significant decision by Red Bull was announced ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, adding a poignant touch to Tsunoda’s home race weekend in Suzuka.
The young Japanese driver’s promotion follows the reassignment of Liam Lawson, who will now compete with Racing Bulls. This strategic move comes just two races into the season, underscoring Red Bull’s confidence in Tsunoda’s abilities and potential to propel the team forward. Pierre Gasly, Tsunoda’s former teammate and current Alpine driver, has voiced his support for Tsunoda, highlighting his belief in the young driver’s speed and potential for success at Red Bull.
Gasly, who experienced a similar path when Red Bull promoted him in 2019 after his stint with their sister team, expressed best wishes for both Tsunoda and Lawson. Reflecting on his own time with Red Bull, Gasly shared his insights during a drivers’ press conference at Suzuka, acknowledging the complexities and challenges associated with such a career-altering opportunity.
“Yeah, I wish Liam all the best. I can obviously relate to some things and I wish Yuki all the best. I think it’s very difficult to judge anything from the outside,” Gasly stated, hinting at the intricacies of Formula 1 team dynamics. He emphasized the importance of respecting individual situations while wishing both drivers success in their new roles.
When questioned by Motorsport.com about whether he had discussed the promotion with Tsunoda, Gasly confirmed they had spoken. “Yeah, we spoke on the phone. Obviously, the way that I was also given this opportunity in terms of what didn’t quite work out and things that could have been different. I think he’s got the experience, he’s got the speed,” the Frenchman remarked, affirming his faith in Tsunoda’s raw talent.
Gasly further commented on Tsunoda’s capabilities, saying, “I’ve always backed him up. I’ve raced against him and with him for two years. I’ve seen his raw speed. I’ve seen what he was capable of doing already back at the time. We can look back in 2021, all these years, I’ve always said he was an extremely fast driver.” This endorsement from a seasoned driver adds weight to Tsunoda’s credentials as he embarks on this new chapter.
Tsunoda has also received support and advice from another Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez. Reflecting on these gestures of camaraderie, Tsunoda explained, “I got a message from Pierre that he wanted to call me about the experience he had in Red Bull, the things that he should have done in Red Bull, and he just wanted to share a couple of ideas that could work for the coming races in Red Bull.” The guidance offered by experienced drivers such as Gasly and Perez proves invaluable as Tsunoda prepares to tackle the challenges of driving for one of Formula 1’s top teams.
As Tsunoda takes the wheel of a Red Bull car, he carries not only the support of his former and current colleagues but also the expectations of his fans and the motorsport world at large. While the journey ahead is fraught with challenges, this opportunity presents a chance for Tsunoda to showcase his speed and talent on a much larger stage. With strong backing from notable drivers and the entire Red Bull family, the potential for success is ripe, though much depends on Tsunoda’s adaptation and performance under the intense spotlight of Formula 1.
The significance of Tsunoda’s promotion extends beyond individual ambition—it reflects Red Bull’s strategic intent to cultivate young talent capable of competing at the highest levels in the sport. As observers eagerly watch this development, the excitement surrounding Yuki Tsunoda’s next steps in his racing career continues to build, promising compelling action on the Formula 1 circuit.
