Yuki Tsunoda Reflects on His Red Bull Journey and Future Aspirations

Yuki Tsunoda, the talented racer from Japan, recently expressed his frustration over losing his seat at Red Bull Racing to Isack Hadjar at the conclusion of this season. Despite the disappointment, Tsunoda takes pride in the performance he delivered, especially when compared to his teammate Max Verstappen. As Red Bull prepares to promote Hadjar alongside Verstappen for the 2026 season, Tsunoda will transition to a reserve driver role. This change was confirmed to him by Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko during a conversation held on a Sunday night in Qatar. Tsunoda is now gearing up for what may be his last race weekend for the foreseeable future at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Facing the Change

Tsunoda’s emotions are understandably mixed as he grapples with the news of his demotion. “I’m obviously disappointed and a bit angry,” he admitted. “I received the news right after the race from Helmut, who told me privately that I wouldn’t be racing next year.” Despite the initial shock, Tsunoda noted that he is coping better than expected. “Surprisingly, I’m okay. Well, not entirely okay, but… the day after, I went about my usual routine and ordered the same breakfast. I think I’m still in disbelief that this weekend will be my last race for now. Perhaps I’ll fully realize it after the Abu Dhabi race, but that’s how I feel at the moment.”

As he reflects on his time at Red Bull, Tsunoda emphasizes that his focus remains on maximizing his time as a reserve driver. He is aware that he cannot explore options with other teams for 2026 due to contractual obligations. “I didn’t have many options,” he explained. “My contract limited my ability to engage with other teams. While I did receive some external interest, my contract restrained me from pursuing those conversations. Therefore, my attention has been solely on securing my position at Red Bull, which has been my priority for several years. It’s where I’ve developed as a driver.”

Embracing New Perspectives

Looking ahead, Tsunoda is intrigued by the prospect of observing the races from a different perspective. “This will be the first time in my career that I won’t be racing. I’ve never been in a position where I’m sitting back while others are competing, so it’s a new experience for me,” he remarked. “I believe I’ll gain valuable insights by watching the races and understanding what each driver is doing. I’m optimistic that I can learn a lot from this experience, which I had never anticipated.”

Tsunoda is committed to maintaining his physical fitness during his reserve role. “I want to stay in shape so that whenever an opportunity arises, I’ll be ready to seize it. Until then, my focus is on staying fit and prepared.”

Reflecting on the Journey

Earlier this season, Tsunoda was elevated to Red Bull after impressing during his time with the junior team, Racing Bulls. He acknowledges a part of him that wishes he could have continued competing with Racing Bulls, even as he believes he performed admirably alongside Verstappen. “One of my regrets is missing out on the opportunity to drive a fantastic car, the VCARB,” he shared. “It feels like losing a piece of myself because I helped develop that car over the years since the introduction of these regulations. I know my influence is in that car.”

Despite acknowledging these regrets, Tsunoda maintains a positive outlook. “Missing out on the chance to compete at the level we aspired to is disappointing, but I don’t regret the choices I made. I still think back to the crash at Imola, which frustrates me because it was completely avoidable. That incident set me back in terms of performance. However, when I look at the overall season, especially the latter half, my results in qualifying may not reflect well, but I was often only a few tenths behind Verstappen, which is commendable.”

Competitive Spirit

Tsunoda is proud of the progress he made throughout the season. “Once I had the same car as Verstappen, I was competitive with him, and I think that’s what the second Red Bull seat struggled with. I’m proud of how I’ve grown as a driver and improved my skills over the season,” he remarked. He acknowledges Verstappen’s experience and skill, stating, “Max has been in this position for years and knows the intricacies of this car. I can’t deny that he’s currently the best driver on the grid, but I’m pleased with how quickly I’ve been able to catch up, especially in such a competitive field—this year has one of the tightest competitions in history.”

Future Aspirations

As Tsunoda prepares for his transition to reserve driver, he is determined to stay engaged with the team and continue learning. “I want to absorb as much knowledge as possible during this time. It’s a unique opportunity to witness the racing world from a different angle. I’m looking forward to understanding the strategies and decisions that drivers and teams make during a race,” he stated.

Moreover, Tsunoda emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in the world of motorsport. “In this environment, things can change rapidly. Being able to adapt and learn from every situation is crucial. I’m committed to making the most of my time as a reserve driver, and I see it as a chance to refine my skills and prepare for future opportunities.”

The Road Ahead

As he gets ready for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Tsunoda is filled with a mix of emotions. The anticipation of his last race for the foreseeable future weighs heavily on him, yet he remains hopeful for what lies ahead. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of this last race and to show what I can do. Even though I won’t be racing next year, I want to leave on a high note, demonstrating my capabilities and dedication,” he shared.

The journey in Formula 1 is unpredictable, and Tsunoda understands that every experience contributes to his growth as a driver. “This year has been a learning experience, both in terms of racing and in handling the pressures that come with it. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had so far and excited about what the future may hold,” he concluded.

In summary, Yuki Tsunoda’s journey in Formula 1 has been marked by both achievements and challenges. As he transitions from a race seat to a reserve role at Red Bull Racing, he remains focused on learning and developing his skills. His competitive spirit and determination to succeed are evident, and fans can look forward to witnessing his growth in the seasons to come.