Discouraging News for Yuki Tsunoda After Red Bull’s Shocking Statement After the Japanese GP
Yuki Tsunoda’s debut for the Red Bull team at the Japanese Grand Prix fell short of expectations, as the Japanese driver finished 12th, outside the points, and only managed to advance two places from his starting position. This result is even more worrying considering that, after three races, Max Verstappen is the only Red Bull driver to have scored championship points. This situation raises questions about Tsunoda’s future with the team and who might take his seat if he fails to improve his performance .
A Debut Below Expectations
Yuki Tsunoda was promoted to the main Red Bull team ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, replacing Liam Lawson after a difficult start to the season for the New Zealand driver. Lawson had struggled in the first two races, leading Red Bull to make the decision to make an early change to its lineup. Team principal Christian Horner explained that Tsunoda’s experience would be beneficial to the development of the RB21 and that the decision was made collectively with the aim of improving the team’s performance.
However, Tsunoda’s first race with Red Bull at Suzuka didn’t go as expected. Despite his familiarity with the circuit and the support of the home fans, he failed to score any points, finishing in 12th place. This result is especially worrying given that his teammate, Max Verstappen, took a dominant victory, leading the race from start to finish and securing his fourth consecutive Japanese Grand Prix win.
Concerns at Red Bull
Tsunoda’s lack of points means that, after three rounds, Verstappen is the only Red Bull driver to have contributed to the constructors’ championship. This situation could raise concerns within the team, as both drivers’ contributions are crucial to competing for the constructors’ title. Furthermore, the pressure on Tsunoda increases, as he needs to prove he can live up to the demands of a top-tier team like Red Bull.
It’s important to remember that Tsunoda has previously expressed his desire to join the main Red Bull team and expressed confidence that he deserves the seat. In November 2024, he stated, “I definitely deserve that seat, and I can’t say more than that. It’s definitely up to them.”
Possible Substitutes on the Horizon
If Tsunoda fails to improve his performance in the upcoming races, Red Bull could consider other options to partner Verstappen. Liam Lawson, despite having a difficult start with the main team, remains a viable option and has returned to the Racing Bulls team to continue his development. Additionally, other young drivers such as Franco Colapinto have been linked to Red Bull in the past and could be considered for the seat in the future.
The Way Forward for Tsunoda
To secure his place at Red Bull, Tsunoda will need to demonstrate significant performance improvements in the upcoming races. This includes not only consistently scoring points, but also getting close to Verstappen’s performance and contributing to the development of the RB21. The pressure is high, but Tsunoda has shown in the past that he has the talent and determination to take on challenges.
Conclusion
Yuki Tsunoda’s debut with Red Bull at the Japanese Grand Prix has been disappointing, and the lack of points increases the pressure on the Japanese driver. With Max Verstappen the sole contributor to the championship so far, Red Bull will need to assess whether Tsunoda can live up to expectations or if it needs to consider other options to strengthen its lineup. The upcoming races will be crucial in determining Tsunoda’s future with the team and his ability to compete at the highest level in Formula 1.
