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Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson as the second driver for Red Bull alongside Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix 2025. Tsunoda’s personal journey has also seen him adapt to life away from Japan. While It's best for him that it is his home soil the responsibility is accompanied by berserk challenges.
“I moved to Europe and to Switzerland and I missed my friends quite a lot. I was struggling.”
However, he has since found comfort in his new surroundings. “I actually like living in Europe more than Japan now. I’m able to fully relax. I went back to Japan to mentally reset after Abu Dhabi [in December] and I spent some time with the Japanese fans… it was nice to get out of the racing environment. But it’s not my home. I like the atmosphere more in Europe.”
“I had to change my approach for the future, after what happened with Daniel in Bahrain last year. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be sticking around in F1. It’s the one area I’ve worked really hard at – and it’s helped change my mindset and be more serious, " he told Independent.
With 89 races under his belt, Tsunoda understands the gravity of his new role and the pressures that come with it.
Adjusting to Life in Europe
Despite his challenges, Tsunoda is ready to take on the pressure. By the Spanish Grand Prix in June, he will become the most experienced Japanese driver in F1 history, surpassing Ukyo Katayama’s 95 race starts.
In Tokyo, all four Red Bull drivers will participate in a public show-run, marking Tsunoda’s first appearance in Red Bull gear since his promotion. His new team will don a striking all-white livery this weekend, paying homage to engine partner Honda, which has been a key supporter of his career.
Eyes on the Podium
Tsunoda has already set an ambitious goal for himself at his home race in Japan: a podium finish, something no Japanese driver has achieved since Kamui Kobayashi in 2012. However, he knows he cannot afford a shaky start.
“The amount of attention you get in this sport… it’s a bit surprising,” he admits. “It’s hard to know how to act in front of the cameras. In my rookie season, I wasn’t natural. It wasn’t a smart or efficient use of my energy.”
“But now I know how to manage myself. I enjoy having more responsibility. This year is a chance for me to step up and be a more complete driver.”
That step up, however, has come quicker than anyone expected. With Red Bull’s eyes on him, Tsunoda must prove he belongs among the elite.
