Red Bull’s decision to bring in Yuki Tsunoda after just two races has sparked debate over whether he is the right choice to lead the team to a constructors’ championship. Amid a tight battle in the 2025 Formula 1 standings, critics question if Tsunoda can match the pace set by Max Verstappen and help Red Bull claim overall success.
Concerns Over Tsunoda’s Ability to Deliver Consistent Results
After replacing Liam Lawson early in the season, Yuki Tsunoda has shown only modest improvement, struggling to bridge the gap to Verstappen’s performance level. Red Bull currently risks finishing fourth in the constructors’ championship, with just five points separating them from Mercedes and Ferrari ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. This narrow margin intensifies the pressure on Tsunoda to prove his worth.
Sky F1 commentator David Croft openly expressed doubts about Red Bull’s driver choice, suggesting the team may have made a mistake by not signing Carlos Sainz. Speaking on the Sky F1 podcast, Croft said,
“I personally think they’ve got the wrong driver still. If they want to win a constructors’ championship, go and get a driver that is good enough,”
and added,
“And Yuki might well be in time, I don’t think he’s proved it. Well, they should have got Carlos Sainz. But for whatever reason, that didn’t happen.”
Croft also pointed out that options like Lando Norris are tied to long-term contracts and suggested George Russell, who will be out of contract at the end of the season, could be a potential future contender.
Despite acknowledging no personal dislike towards Tsunoda, Croft questioned his ability to consistently finish on the podium or win races, stating,
Image of: Yuki Tsunoda
“Do you want to be a constructors’ champion? Yes. Therefore, go out and get a consistent race winner or podium finisher.”
As questions linger over Tsunoda’s future, fellow driverIsack Hadjar has attracted significant attention during the 2025 season. After a disappointing start in Australia, where he crashed on the formation lap, Hadjar has demonstrated strong form since returning to Racing Bulls, outperforming Lawson and creating a buzz around his potential.
His impressive performances have been highlighted by F1 legend Damon Hill, who described Hadjar as the season’s biggest surprise. This remarkable rise may put Hadjar in Red Bull’s sights as a candidate capable of enhancing the team’s prospects for championship glory.
The Ongoing Fight Among Top Teams Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix
With Red Bull trailing slightly behind Ferrari and Mercedes by only a handful of points, the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix is critical for the constructors’ championshiprace. Each team’s driver lineup and their ability to consistently score points will heavily influence the championship outcome as the season progresses.
Max Verstappen continues to set a high standard for teammates, while the search for a strong secondary driver who can challenge rivals remains a topic of serious discussion among fans and experts alike.
