1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has expressed uncertainty about Yuki Tsunoda‘s ongoing place within Red Bull Racing. The Japanese driver joined the team ahead of the home race in Suzuka, stepping in for rookie Liam Lawson after just two race weekends, but questions remain about Tsunoda’s ability to secure a long-term role.
Despite his enthusiasm to move to Red Bull, Tsunoda has struggled to adapt to the RB21, a car that even teammate Max Verstappen has found challenging. Since joining, Tsunoda has accumulated only seven points over 10 races.
Tsunoda’s Performance and Red Bull’s Current Stance
Although Tsunoda is still adjusting to both the team environment and the car’s unique handling characteristics, Red Bull has confirmed he will retain his seat until the season’s conclusion. Villeneuve emphasized that Tsunoda’s performance in the coming months will be critical in determining his future with the team.
Villeneuve commented on F1.com, highlighting the high standards required to remain at a top outfit like Red Bull:
“How long Yuki Tsunoda will stay at Red Bull is the other big question mark. He was pushing so hard to go from the small team to the big team. He’s a good driver, but you have to be exceptional… You have to be a Lewis, you have to be a Fernando, you have to be a Piastri or a Norris.”
—Jacques Villeneuve, 1997 Formula 1 Champion
Tsunoda’s Challenges Adapting to the RB21
In April, during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Tsunoda spoke candidly about the complexity of adjusting to Red Bull’s RB21, describing the car’s operational window as particularly narrow and difficult to consistently hit.
“It’s just difficult. It’s not easy being in the window which this car operates, which is quite narrow,”
Tsunoda explained.
He added that fluctuations in performance are natural as he experiments with different driving approaches to find consistency, emphasizing a measured, step-by-step progression rather than rushing his adaptation.
He also acknowledged the challenges during practice sessions, noting that both driver tuning and car setup require refinement to improve pace. Despite this, Tsunoda expressed moderate confidence in his progress:
“But I have ok confidence, not great, ok confidence.”
—Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Driver
Current Standings and Implications for Tsunoda’s Future
At this point in the season, Tsunoda ranks 17th in the drivers‘ championship with 10 points after 12 races. In comparison, teammate Max Verstappen sits third with a commanding 165 points. This stark contrast highlights the pressures Tsunoda faces to not only keep pace with Verstappen but also meet Red Bull’s exacting expectations.
The upcoming races will be instrumental in shaping Tsunoda’s prospects within the team, as his ability to perform consistently at this level remains under scrutiny. Villeneuve’s comments underline the reality of competing at a top-tier Formula 1 team, where only exceptional talent secures a lasting place.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Yuki Tsunoda ever win a race?
A. Yuki Tsunoda’s journey to Formula One started in 2016. He competed in the Japanese F4 championship’s Suzuka round. In that series, he won 10 races and stood on the podium 18 times. He also earned 12 pole positions and recorded five fastest laps.
Q. Is Yuki Tsunoda the shortest F1 driver ever?
A. Yuki Tsunoda is the shortest Formula 1 driver, standing at 1.59 meters (5 feet 2 inches). He has held this title since he started racing in 2021.
Q. Has Yuki Tsunoda won a race?
A. Throughout the entire series, he secured victory in 10 races and stood on the podium 18 times, with 12 pole positions and achieving the fastest lap in five events.
