Yuki Tsunoda’s future with the Red Bull Racing team remains uncertain as the Formula 1season approaches its summer break. With critical evaluations planned afterward, the Japanesedriver faces mounting pressure to prove his worth in a highly competitive squad. The stakes are high, as his place beside four-time world champion Max Verstappen is still undecided.
Early Season Challenges Impact Tsunoda’s Standing in the Team
Tsunoda was abruptly called up to replace rookie Liam Lawson after disappointing performances in the initial races of the 2025 season. Since joining Red Bull in time for his homerace at Suzuka, Tsunoda has only scored points in three events. He is currently enduring a difficult stretch, failing to earn points in seven consecutive Grands Prix, which has intensified scrutiny over his performance.
Helmut Marko Highlights Openness in Driver Line-up Choices
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport adviser, has stressed that no final decisions on the 2026 driver lineup have been made, keeping all options open. In an interview with F1-Insider, Marko explained,
“We traditionally make our driver evaluations after the summer break, and then it will be decided how the driver line-up for next year will look, perhaps partly even later,”
emphasizing that the assessment process is ongoing and flexible.
Struggles to Find Verstappen’s Permanent Partner Persist
Red Bull has wrestled with securing a consistent partner for Verstappen over the past year and a half, adding pressure on Tsunoda to demonstrate his capability. Despite his recent poor results, Tsunoda remains confident about his development. Speaking during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, he stated,
Image of: Yuki Tsunoda
“I can say confidently that I’m progressing every race,”
and further reflected,
“It’s not the result that I want or that I’m hoping for. But at the same time, I’m not doing anything wrong. There are a few things I could do better, but that’s part of learning.”
Tsunoda’s Commitment to Growth Under Verstappen’s Influence
Determined to improve, Tsunoda credits Verstappen’s example as motivation to sharpen his skills in the demanding Formula 1 environment. He shared,
“I’m just adding up the performance on top of the performance I have in every race. I’m in good shape,”
showing his focused mindset as he works to build confidence and greater precision behind the wheel.
Leadership Changes in Red Bull Forge New Opportunities
The arrival of Laurent Mekies as Red Bull Racing’s CEO and team principal, who previously managed Tsunoda at Racing Bulls, has injected fresh energy into the team. Marko praised Mekies’s focused leadership approach, noting,
“On a purely personal level, he is someone focused on the matter at hand,”
and added,
“Success and team leadership are his priorities.”
Signs of Progress Offer Hope for Tsunoda’s Future
Under Mekies’s guidance, Red Bull has observed measurable improvements in Tsunoda’s qualifying and race pace. Marko remarked on this positive trend, saying,
“Especially with Yuki Tsunoda, you could see that a step forward had been made,”
suggesting that sustained momentum could secure the driver’s standing with the team.
Pressure Builds as Summer Break Approaches
The upcoming mid-season pause adds urgency to Tsunoda’s situation, with his continued presence at Red Bull contingent on delivering clearer results. With Verstappen confirmed for 2026, the question remains whether Tsunoda can capitalize on recent progress and convince the team he is the right candidate to race alongside the champion. The motorsport world watches closely as the deadline nears.
