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Yuki Tsunoda has opened up for the first time since Red Bull confirmed he will not be racing on the Formula 1 grid in 2026. The 25-year-old Japanese driver, who made his F1 debut in 2021, admitted the news is “tough” to digest as he prepares to transition into a test and reserve role for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls next season. His emotional reflection, shared following the announcement, sheds light on a turbulent year that began with opportunity but ended in disappointment.
This report is based on information from F1’s official website.
A career-altering announcement after Qatar
The confirmation came shortly after the Qatar Grand Prix weekend, when Red Bull revealed that rising star Isack Hadjar will take Tsunoda’s seat in 2026. Additionally, F2 talent Arvid Lindblad will join Racing Bulls, effectively shutting the door on Tsunoda’s place on the active grid for next year.
Yuki Tsunoda, speaking about when he learned the news, said: “I heard after the race in Qatar. Obviously, I was disappointed. It’s tough.” He admitted that even days later, it still hasn’t fully sunk in: “I’m not fully recognising or fully feeling it yet that I’m not racing next year.”
Despite the emotional blow, he attempted to maintain focus by shifting his attention to the season finale:
“I was thinking about Abu Dhabi. It’s not ideal.”
Struggles nside the Senior Team
Tsunoda’s 2025 season took a dramatic turn when he was promoted to Red Bull’s senior seat two rounds into the campaign in a swap with Liam Lawson. But the move placed him directly alongside Max Verstappen—a position in which numerous teammates before him have faltered.
The adaptation was steep, marked by early Qualifying exits and modest points finishes. Yet Yuki Tsunoda insisted he found confidence in being closer to Verstappen’s pace than many expected:
“I see consistently the difference between me and Max. I can’t remember the last time I was four-and-a-half tenths back.”
He also reflected on leaving the Racing Bulls machine he had helped develop: “Some DNA is in there and you throw out your baby. So, I missed that and kind of regret that.”
Looking Ahead: A year of reset and reflection
With his F1 future now paused, Tsunoda will enter 2026 in a support role — a major shift for a driver who has spent the past five seasons racing full-time. Still, he views it as an opportunity to gain new insight:
“I can see a lot of new perspectives being inside both teams, learning a lot of things I never even imagined.”
As for exploring other racing categories, such as IndyCar, Yuki Tsunoda made his position clear:
“F1 is my life. It’s too early stages to think about anything else.”
For now, his focus remains singular: finishing the season strongly and keeping himself ready for whatever opportunity emerges next. “Let’s be positive… let’s think about the future afterwards.”
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