The Formula 1 world is always a hotbed of emotion, rivalry, and high expectations, and the recent comments from Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver for Red Bull Racing, have caught the attention of fans and analysts. Tsunoda, who has been the teammate of four-time world champion Max Verstappen since the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this year, expressed his frustration with the unequal treatment within the team and the unrealistic comparisons with his Dutch counterpart. His comments, made in the lead-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix, have sparked renewed discussion about the dynamics within Red Bull and the challenges facing a second driver alongside a dominant figure like Verstappen.
Tsunoda’s move to Red Bull Racing was a long-awaited move for the 25-year-old driver, who spent years proving his talent with the sister team Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB). After a disappointing start to the season for Liam Lawson, who only drove alongside Verstappen for two races, Tsunoda finally got his chance to prove himself in the RB21, the car Verstappen is still driving for Red Bull this year. Although the Japanese driver impressed with his speed and feedback during test sessions, such as the one in Abu Dhabi late last year, he has struggled to consistently score points. His best result so far is ninth place, while Verstappen has scored 185 of the 192 points Red Bull has scored this season.
Tsunoda’s frustration was clearly evident when asked about his performance compared to Verstappen. “It’s not fair to compare us,” he said fiercely. “Max has been driving that car for nine years, while I just got in. I don’t always get the same upgrades as he does, and if I have to drive his setup, it’s a disadvantage for me.” These comments suggest that Red Bull isn’t always providing both drivers with the same technical resources, a claim supported by recent statements from new team principal Laurent Mekies. Mekies admitted that Tsunoda’s car was “a few steps behind” in terms of upgrades in some races, which partly explains the performance gap.
The dynamic between Verstappen and his teammates has been a hot topic for years. Drivers like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Pérez, and Lawson have all struggled to perform in Verstappen’s shadow. The RB21, while one of the fastest cars on the grid, is known for its complex handling, something Verstappen handles masterfully. Tsunoda himself admitted to admiring how Verstappen controls the car, especially with a setup that others find difficult to manage. “I tried to follow his setup, but it didn’t work for me,” he admitted after the Chinese Grand Prix. “It’s incredible how he does that.”
Yet Tsunoda’s situation is complicated by more than just technical differences. His contract expires at the end of this season, and with the emergence of young talents like Isack Hadjar at VCARB, his position is under pressure. Moreover, Honda, which supported Tsunoda for years through its F1 Dream project, has indicated that the driver must now stand on his own two feet. This makes his fight for a future in Formula 1 even more urgent. Rumors of a possible move to Aston Martin, where Honda will supply engines from 2026, are circulating, but for now, his focus remains on Red Bull.
Tsunoda’s comments also shed light on the internal tensions at Red Bull. The team has had a turbulent year, with the departure of team principal Christian Horner and speculation about Verstappen’s future. Although Verstappen has confirmed he will remain at Red Bull in 2026, the question remains who his teammate will be. Tsunoda’s candor could both help and hurt him: it demonstrates his determination, but could also create the impression of discontent within the team.
For Tsunoda, the key to success lies in improving his consistency and capitalizing on the opportunities he gets. His speed is undeniable, but in a world where details matter, he’ll have to show that he can not only drive alongside Verstappen but also shine. The upcoming races, starting with the Belgian Grand Prix, will be crucial for his future at Red Bull and in Formula 1.
