Yuki Tsunoda’s Uncertain Future: Can He Prove Red Bull Wrong and Secure a Competitive Seat?
Yuki Tsunoda’s Formula 1 journey has taken an intriguing turn as the Japanese driver faces an uncertain future with Red Bull Racing and its sister team, AlphaTauri. Despite spending four seasons proving his worth in the junior team, Tsunoda has been overlooked for a promotion to Red Bull’s senior lineup, a spot that has instead gone to Liam Lawson, a relatively inexperienced driver with only 11 F1 races under his belt. This controversial decision has sparked questions about Red Bull’s talent evaluation and Tsunoda’s potential trajectory in the sport.
The decision to prioritize Lawson over Tsunoda seems particularly contentious given their head-to-head statistics. During the six races they spent as teammates in 2024, Tsunoda consistently outqualified Lawson. Furthermore, Tsunoda has outperformed other drivers in the AlphaTauri seat, including Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo. Yet, his strong performances have not been enough to earn him a coveted seat alongside Max Verstappen. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner candidly admitted that it is unrealistic to keep a driver in a support role for more than five years without offering them a real opportunity, signaling that Tsunoda’s chances with Red Bull may be nearing their end.
Tsunoda’s passionate and vocal nature on team radio, often criticized by Red Bull management, might be a factor influencing their decision. However, the driver himself has defended his behavior, emphasizing that it helps him manage stress and maintain focus during races. Despite showing significant growth in emotional control and race craft, Tsunoda has struggled to shake off the perception of being a liability, partly due to his strong ties with Honda, Red Bull’s current engine supplier. With Honda set to partner with Aston Martin from 2026, Tsunoda’s future in Red Bull’s ecosystem becomes even more precarious.
Speculation has arisen that Honda’s influence could pave the way for Tsunoda to join Aston Martin. However, this would require a seismic shift in the Silverstone-based team’s driver lineup. Aston Martin’s owner, Lawrence Stroll, is unlikely to replace his son Lance despite ongoing criticism of nepotism. At the same time, the team’s competitiveness and Fernando Alonso’s continued strong performances may force tough decisions, especially as Honda seeks to position Tsunoda as a key player in their new partnership.
Red Bull’s decision to sideline Tsunoda in favor of nurturing fresh talent like Lawson and Isaac Hadjar, the 2024 Formula 2 runner-up, underscores their focus on promoting drivers from within their academy. Hadjar has already impressed Red Bull management during testing, further diminishing Tsunoda’s chances of securing a Red Bull seat in the future.
Tsunoda now faces a critical juncture in his career. If he remains with AlphaTauri beyond 2025, he risks being perceived as a driver who peaked in the junior team without breaking through to the senior level. Alternatively, he could explore opportunities outside the Red Bull ecosystem. Drawing parallels with the careers of Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon—both of whom reinvented themselves after parting ways with Red Bull—Tsunoda could find a more supportive environment to showcase his skills.
The broader question remains: has Red Bull made the right call in sidelining Tsunoda? The Japanese driver has displayed resilience, adaptability, and raw pace, qualities that could flourish in a team that values consistency over fleeting moments of brilliance. With Honda potentially advocating for him in their new venture with Aston Martin, Tsunoda might yet prove his critics wrong.
As Tsunoda prepares for his fifth season with AlphaTauri, the stakes are higher than ever. His performance in 2025 will not only define his legacy within Red Bull’s program but could also shape his future in Formula 1. Whether he remains in the Red Bull family or embarks on a new path, Tsunoda’s journey is a compelling narrative in the ever-dramatic world of Formula 1
