In a move that has left Formula 1 fans and experts alike stunned, Red Bull Racing’s decision to not sign Yuki Tsunoda for a full-time seat in their team has just been exposed. Tsunoda, the talented Japanese driver, has been one of the most talked-about rookies in recent years. Despite his promising debut with AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s sister team, the decision not to elevate him to a more competitive seat in their main team has raised serious questions.

The shocking revelation has sparked discussions on social media, with fans questioning whether Red Bull made a mistake by not opting to keep Tsunoda in their fold. With Tsunoda showing impressive potential on the track, his exclusion from Red Bull Racing has raised eyebrows, leaving many to wonder what factors ultimately influenced the team’s decision.

Yuki Tsunoda’s rise in Formula 1 has been nothing short of remarkable. After an impressive stint in Formula 2, where he finished third in the championship and showcased exceptional speed and racecraft, Tsunoda quickly made his way into Formula 1 with AlphaTauri in 2021. Despite his rookie status, he immediately made an impact with strong performances, including several points finishes and moments of brilliance during races. 

In his first season with AlphaTauri, Tsunoda demonstrated not only raw speed but also the ability to adapt to the complexities of F1. His performances garnered praise from fans, analysts, and even some of the sport’s biggest names. Many believed that his potential was undeniable, and it seemed like a matter of time before Red Bull Racing would promote him to one of their coveted seats.

However, despite these performances, Tsunoda was not promoted, and many were left wondering why Red Bull chose not to sign him to their main team.

The news of Red Bull’s decision to not promote Yuki Tsunoda became even more surprising when it was revealed that the team had made an alternative choice — signing Sergio Perez instead. Perez, a seasoned F1 driver with years of experience under his belt, was a safe pick for Red Bull, but many questioned whether Tsunoda’s younger, more dynamic approach would have been a better long-term investment for the team.

According to inside sources and leaked information, Red Bull’s decision to pass on Tsunoda was largely influenced by a combination of factors. One of the key reasons cited was Tsunoda’s inconsistency in his performances. While he undoubtedly showed flashes of brilliance, there were moments in his early F1 career where his mistakes — including crashes, qualifying errors, and handling pressure — led to missed points and potential podiums. 

Team principal Christian Horner and others in the Red Bull hierarchy were reportedly concerned about Tsunoda’s mental fortitude under pressure. Formula 1 is one of the most high-stakes environments in sports, and Red Bull’s main team needed a driver who could consistently perform at the highest level, even under intense scrutiny. Tsunoda’s high-speed incidents and occasional lapses in judgment led to doubts over his readiness to step into a top-tier team like Red Bull Racing, a team that was aiming for the championship with Max Verstappen.

Red Bull’s decision to go with Sergio Perez instead of Tsunoda was, in many ways, a calculated risk. While Perez might not be as fast as Tsunoda on raw pace, the Mexican driver brings a wealth of experience and maturity to the team. Perez’s consistency, ability to work well under pressure, and his strategic racecraft made him an attractive choice for Red Bull. 

Perez had already proven himself capable of handling the challenges of the F1 grid with Racing Point (now Aston Martin), and his victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix with the team only added to his credibility. Perez’s ability to help Red Bull secure crucial points in the Constructors’ Championship was another major factor in the team’s decision to hire him. 

From Red Bull’s perspective, Perez offered stability alongside Max Verstappen’s dominant performances, ensuring that the team could compete not only for race wins but also for the overall championship.

While Perez has been a solid and reliable teammate to Verstappen, Tsunoda’s exclusion from the top team has left fans questioning whether Red Bull made the right decision. Tsunoda’s raw pace and aggressive driving style were elements that could have complemented Verstappen’s leadership and aggressive racecraft. Moreover, his potential for growth within the team seemed promising, especially given his age and the development that could have come with more experience at Red Bull Racing.

Tsunoda’s exclusion could also have long-term ramifications for Red Bull. The Japanese market has become increasingly important in

 motorsport, and Tsunoda’s presence would have undoubtedly helped the team tap into a new fanbase. Japan is a nation with a rich motorsport history, and having a native driver in a prominent seat would have further strengthened Red Bull’s global appeal.

Despite Red Bull’s decision, Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1 is far from over. With his current position at AlphaTauri, he still has the opportunity to prove himself as a capable driver and potentially earn a move to another top team. While Red Bull may have passed on him for now, there are still opportunities within other teams that may be more willing to take a chance on his talent.

The decision not to sign Yuki Tsunoda to Red Bull Racing has left fans and pundits scratching their heads. Tsunoda’s talent is undeniable, and his exclusion from a top-tier seat raises important questions about Red Bull’s priorities and their long-term vision. While Sergio Perez remains a strong option for Red Bull, only time will tell if the team’s decision to overlook Tsunoda was a mistake. 

As Tsunoda continues to develop with AlphaTauri, all eyes will be on the young driver’s next moves. Whether or not he finds himself in a top seat in the future, one thing is certain: Yuki Tsunoda’s career in Formula 1 is far from over, and his journey is one that fans will continue to follow with great interest.q