Tsunoda hanging by a thread: he can save a seat, but not the Red Bull one
According to the latest Formula 1 rumors, Yuki Tsunoda may still secure a seat on the grid, but it will not be with Red Bull Racing. The Milton Keynes outfit looks set to promote Isack Hadjar, leaving the Japanese driver’s future uncertain. Tsunoda, who delivered a solid performance in Azerbaijan, has shown signs of progress. However, it appears to be too little and too late to earn a place alongside Max Verstappen for next season—though his form could be enough to delay the debut dreams of another Red Bull Junior driver.
In Baku, Tsunoda’s task was clear: defend his team leader from Lando Norris’s charge. The Japanese driver succeeded, proving he can be the team player Red Bull has often demanded. Yet, that effort is unlikely to save his seat. Reports suggest that Laurent Mekies is ready to bet on Isack Hadjar, who has impressed with his performances for Racing Bulls.
A three-way fight for two Racing Bulls seats
The Austrian outfit has three drivers competing for just two seats: Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson—who also impressed in Azerbaijan—and Arvid Lindblad, who was recently linked with a potential step up to the Faenza-based squad. Among the three, Tsunoda is considered the most at risk. After five seasons in Formula 1, his time could be running out. Paddock talk suggests his last real chance will come at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Sky Sports insider Ted Kravitz, speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, offered a glimmer of hope for the 25-year-old from Sagamihara: “We believe it’s already decided that Isack Hadjar will be Max Verstappen’s teammate. The good news for Yuki Tsunoda is that he is driving well and could still remain in the Red Bull program.”
According to Kravitz, Laurent Mekies is currently evaluating whether Yuki Tsunoda can still deliver as a consistent top-10 driver. If not, his seat could be handed to Arvid Lindblad. The turning point was Friday in Baku, when Yuki Tsunoda tested a new car setup that proved effective. His next big test comes in Singapore, a circuit where tire degradation has often exposed his weaknesses.
“Singapore will reveal whether Tsunoda has solved his tire management problems. He has already improved in qualifying, having secured sixth on the grid in Azerbaijan. If he can consistently finish in the points, the Racing Bulls lineup could very well be Lawson and Tsunoda,” concluded the insider.
Leave a Reply