Yuki Tsunoda’s Bold Stand Against Red Bull’s Decision and His Future in Formula 1
Yuki Tsunoda’s recent comments have sparked intense discussions regarding his future in Formula 1, particularly in relation to Red Bull’s decision to promote Liam Lawson over him for the 2025 season. Despite Tsunoda’s four years of experience with the team, Lawson, a driver with only a handful of races under his belt, was chosen to step up into a coveted seat alongside Max Verstappen. Tsunoda’s statement is a sharp reminder of the pressure he feels, not only to prove himself but to convince Red Bull that the decision was a mistake.
Tsunoda, often regarded as one of the most underrated drivers on the grid, has made it clear that he intends to put Lawson under the same intense pressure he once applied to Sergio Perez. In fact, Tsunoda believes it won’t be hard to outshine the Kiwi, especially considering the vast difference in experience. While Lawson has shown versatility in racing across different categories, including DTM and Super Formula, Tsunoda feels his own experience with Red Bull’s machinery and the team’s expectations gives him a significant edge.
In a candid interview, Tsunoda reflected on his journey and the challenges he has faced, admitting that his early years in Formula 1 were far from perfect. The Japanese driver’s reputation was affected by his crash-prone seasons in 2021 and 2022. However, since 2023, he has found his rhythm and has consistently outperformed competitors such as Nyck de Vries, Daniel Ricciardo, and Lawson himself. Despite this improvement, Tsunoda still feels that Red Bull did not give him the credit he deserved, especially when compared to other drivers. “I did well in 2024, but I felt that I didn’t get the recognition other drivers probably received,” he said. “That’s just the way it is, and I’ll have to keep proving myself on track to show Red Bull they made a mistake.”
The decision to promote Lawson over Tsunoda is particularly frustrating for the Japanese driver, given that Lawson’s performances were not as dominant. Lawson did out-qualify Tsunoda six times, but it was Tsunoda who consistently delivered better results in the races. Despite this, Red Bull chose to invest in Lawson, citing his versatility and adaptability across multiple racing disciplines. Tsunoda, however, remains resolute in his belief that his experience with the team should have earned him the seat. He remains focused on improving his performance, aiming to give Red Bull “fewer excuses” to overlook him in the future.
One of the major factors in Tsunoda’s frustration is the looming influence of Honda, with whom he has strong ties. As Honda is set to partner with Aston Martin in 2026, Tsunoda’s connection to the manufacturer could position him as a solid candidate for a seat at Aston Martin, particularly when Fernando Alonso approaches the end of his career. Tsunoda acknowledges this as a possible avenue for his future, especially if Honda offers him a competitive car. The prospect of racing for a team that could challenge for victories, rather than languishing in a lower-tier team like Red Bull, is an attractive one. This future possibility may also give Tsunoda the edge in the ongoing battle with Lawson, who faces the daunting task of securing his position at Red Bull under immense pressure.
Tsunoda’s statement also highlighted the contrast between him and his rookie teammate, Isack Hajar, who has been pegged as the future of Red Bull’s driver lineup. While Hajar has yet to prove himself in an F1 car, the pressure to outperform Tsunoda is already mounting. Hajar is adamant about his ambitions to beat Tsunoda, making it clear that his primary goal is to prove himself capable of securing a spot at Red Bull. However, Tsunoda sees this as another challenge to assert his dominance, and he is determined to make it clear that he deserves to be in a top-tier seat.
The situation at Red Bull is far from settled, and there is no doubt that Tsunoda’s performances in 2025 will play a crucial role in determining his future. Red Bull’s internal dynamics, coupled with the growing influence of Honda, could shift the balance in Tsunoda’s favor. However, Tsunoda also recognizes that his own early struggles in Formula 1 may have impacted his standing within the team. If he wants to be considered for the second seat alongside Verstappen, he will need to prove beyond a doubt that he is a driver capable of competing at the highest level. His journey in Formula 1 may have been rocky, but Tsunoda is now focused on one thing: redemption.
Tsunoda’s path forward is not easy. The competition within Red Bull, alongside the looming presence of talented rookies like Lawson and Hajar, will keep him on edge. But with his focus clearly set on proving himself and challenging the team’s decision, Yuki Tsunoda’s drive to secure his place in Formula 1 has never been stronger. Whether this will be enough to change Red Bull’s mind or land him a seat elsewhere remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Tsunoda is ready to fight for his future.
