Newly appointed Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has expressed strong confidence in Yuki Tsunoda’s potential to recover after a challenging start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. Mekies’ reassurance comes as Red Bull faces a pivotal period, balancing efforts to resolve current performance issues while preparing for major regulatory changes set for 2026.
Tsunoda, who took over Red Bull’s second race seat at the Japanese Grand Prix in March, has struggled to keep pace with teammate Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion. The Japanese driver has scored just seven points so far, including a streak of five races without points leading up to the British Grand Prix.
Familiar Leadership Renewing Confidence in Tsunoda
Mekies and Tsunoda share history from their time together at Racing Bulls, where Mekies managed Tsunoda’s strongest F1 campaign, ending the 2024 season in 12th place overall. This reunion at Red Bull has brought renewed hope, as Mekies’ presence on the pitwall is seen as an asset likely to aid Tsunoda in navigating his current difficulties.
Speaking at his first race weekend as Red Bull team principal, Mekies emphasized the team’s full support for Tsunoda and their commitment to unlocking his true potential.
“So he has a very, very good interaction with the team. And yes, I’m confident that he will be able to show his true value in the near future.”
—Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Team Principal
Mekies described Tsunoda as inherently fast, noting that such speed does not simply vanish despite recent setbacks. He acknowledged the tough circumstances but stressed that the team is actively working to connect the elements necessary for Tsunoda’s comeback.
Leadership Changes at Racing Bulls and Red Bull
Mekies’ promotion to Red Bull has coincided with a management reshuffle at Racing Bulls in Faenza. Alan Permane, a seasoned British sporting director with over 30 years of experience in Formula 1, has stepped up as team principal at Racing Bulls starting from the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
Mekies reflected on his departure from Racing Bulls with mixed emotions, recognizing the strong upward momentum he helped build there but expressing confidence in Permane’s ability to carry the team forward.
“On one side, it’s very difficult because the adventure was incredible there,”
Mekies explained.
“We were on an incredible trajectory with everyone and we had done together so many changes in the last year and a half that it really feels like things were going to accelerate and come even better.”
He added that despite feeling
“a bit strange to leave the boat,”
the Racing Bulls program is “in perfect hands” with Permane leading the charge.
“Alan is just the best possible guy to take the team principal role there. He knows the team upside down. He symbolises very well the spirit we have been trying to build with everyone over there and to have him leading it, teaming up with Peter, with all the team around him.”
—Laurent Mekies, Former Racing Bulls Team Principal
Looking Ahead: What Tsunoda’s Recovery Means for Red Bull
Mekies’ confidence in Tsunoda’s comeback carries significant weight for Red Bull as the team continues to develop not only its drivers but its technical package ahead of the substantial rule changes looming in 2026. Restoring Tsunoda’s competitiveness is vital for Red Bull, which has historically depended on a strong second driver to complement Verstappen’s dominance.
With Mekies at the helm and Permane ensuring stability at Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s driver lineup and management structure appear positioned to navigate the challenges of this transitional phase. Tsunoda’s ability to reconnect with his earlier form will be closely watched throughout the remaining races of the 2025 season, influencing team dynamics and strategic planning going forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Yuki Tsunoda ever win a race?
A. Yuki Tsunoda started his journey to Formula One in 2016 at the Japanese F4 championship in Suzuka. In that series, he achieved 10 race wins and stood on the podium 18 times. He also secured 12 pole positions and recorded five fastest laps.
Q. Who is the shortest F1 driver? While some drivers tower over the grid, Yuki Tsunoda confidently holds the title of the shortest driver in Formula 1, standing at just 1.59 meters (5 ft 3 in). That makes him a full 27 centimeters shorter than the tallest drivers—Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon.
A. Who is the smallest driver in Formula 1?
