Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 future became uncertain when Red Bull confirmed he would not be part of their main squad’s plans for the 2026 season, raising questions about his next steps in Formula 1. The promotion of Isack Hadjar and the commitment to Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad have forced Tsunoda out of a race seat, leaving fans and observers to wonder where his career will lead next.
The announcement, while expected by many in the paddock, nevertheless left Tsunoda in a difficult position. The racing community has pointed to the unique challenges Tsunoda faced with the Red Bull RB21. The car’s set-up was notoriously tough, and Tsunoda struggled with its characteristics, making it hard to extract consistent performance—often trailing his teammates by critical margins in qualifying. These small gaps can determine whether a driver is fighting for pole or exiting in Q2, a pressure Tsunoda felt keenly.
While Tsunoda’s race pace did see improvements as the season went on, his Saturday qualifying sessions left him with too much to make up on Sundays. He himself did not deny that he wasn’t able to pull off the dramatic recoveries seen by Max Verstappen, whose racecraft has become legendary in Formula 1 circles.
Internal Challenges and a Difficult Exit
Part of Tsunoda’s inconsistent results can be traced back to the demands of car set-up. He found it almost impossible to adapt his driving style to the Red Bull RB21, and the changes necessary to make him comfortable resulted in a car that no longer played to its own strengths. Red Bull, now backing rising talent Hadjar, clearly hopes for a closer challenger to Verstappen in the future.
Tsunoda’s reaction to the official news reflected a mixture of disappointment and acceptance. In his first media comments after being informed privately by Helmut, Tsunoda shared his immediate frustration and gradual adjustment to the news.
“I’m disappointed obviously and pissed off,”
Tsunoda said in his first media appearance since the move was announced.
“How I was told – it was right after the race, from Helmut privately, that I’m not going to race next year so I think that’s it.”
– Yuki Tsunoda, Driver
He later added,
“But surprisingly I’m okay… I mean not okay, but like I’m surviving okay. The day after, the morning I ordered breakfast as usual, same food. Probably I’m not recognising enough that it will be the last race for this year or at least for next year so maybe I’ll feel more after Abu Dhabi, but yeah, that’s how it went and how I feel now.”
– Yuki Tsunoda, Driver
The shock was deeply personal, but Tsunoda’s professionalism has seen him continue with his routine, even as the weight of the situation settles in.
Contract Limitations and Missed Opportunities
Tsunoda’s ability to find a new seat elsewhere in the sport was hampered by contractual barriers with Red Bull. Unlike some of his peers who managed to negotiate new opportunities, Tsunoda’s existing agreement left him unable to engage fully with outside interest.
“Well, I didn’t have options, the thing is my contract was there so I couldn’t do much,”
he revealed.
“I had some interest externally but yeah, the contract didn’t really allow me to talk with them. That’s why I was fully focused on the Red Bull season; it was my priority for the last few years to be in the Red Bull family because it’s the place where I grew up as well.”
– Yuki Tsunoda, Driver
This situation mirrors moments from the past, such as when Jaime Alguersuari faced a similar predicament with Toro Rosso in 2011, trusting in team loyalty only to be released and left scrambling for options too late.
Reserve Role Provides a Lifeline
For the upcoming season, Tsunoda is slated to remain within the Red Bull fold in a reserve capacity, a role that has revived the careers of drivers like Alex Albon and Valtteri Bottas. Albon famously converted a year on the sidelines into a full-time Williams seat after serving as Red Bull’s reserve driver. Bottas, too, leveraged a Mercedes reserve position to gain a spot with the future Cadillac F1 project.
With this in mind, Tsunoda will remain close to the action and involved in team activities, including potential TPC tests that keep him race-ready and visible to the paddock. Should a Racing Bulls or Red Bull main driver become unavailable due to injury or performance, Tsunoda will be on standby to step in, similar to how Daniel Ricciardo covered for Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri—leading to Liam Lawson’s debut in Zandvoort.
Potential Routes Back to the Grid
The precedent of Albon’s successful return shows that a reserve role need not be a dead end. Tsunoda’s longstanding relationship with Honda may open doors at Aston Martin, especially as Honda becomes increasingly involved in F1’s new engine era. Alternatively, his experience could attract the attention of other midfield teams seeking a blend of speed and reliability.
If opportunities in Formula 1 prove elusive for the foreseeable future, Tsunoda may look towards other categories. Alex Albon, for instance, spent a season racing in the DTM with a Red Bull-backed AF Corse Ferrari before returning to F1. The link with Honda could also provide possible placements elsewhere, such as in the Super Formula series or with the Acura program in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. IndyCar was mentioned as a possible landing spot, although a full switch away from F1 would represent a significant personal and professional step for the Japanese driver.
Hopes for an F1 Return Remain Strong
Despite these possible alternatives, Tsunoda is not ready to let go of his F1 ambition. He appears determined to return to a full-time race seat if the right opportunity arises. The lure of Formula 1, combined with Tsunoda’s own sense of unfinished business, means he is likely to seek every chance to rejoin the grid—ideally on his own terms.
Looking ahead, Tsunoda’s next moves will be closely watched not only by fans but by the broader racing community, as his journey reflects both the ruthlessness and the unpredictable opportunity of an F1 career. Whether through a reserve role, a chance mid-season call-up, or a bold pivot to another racing series, the future remains open for one of Japan’s most passionate racing talents.
