The Canadian former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has not held back in criticizing Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver who currently serves as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull Racing. Villeneuve’s comments highlight the stark contrast between the two drivers’ performance levels and the disappointment surrounding Tsunoda’s opportunities in the 2025 season.
Tsunoda had a significant opportunity to join Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s teammate after losing the initial seat battle with Liam Lawson at the end of 2024. In 2025, following just two races with the Milton Keynes-based team, Tsunoda has struggled considerably, managing to score only seven points over the next twelve races. These results place him 18th in the Drivers’ Championship standings, trailing Liam Lawson by ten points and Isack Hadjar by twelve.
Villeneuve, speaking to Vision4Sport, emphasized that Tsunoda is proving to be the worst teammate Verstappen has had in his Formula 1 career. “Tsunoda really wanted this opportunity, but he failed, and this creates frustration that is making him drive even worse than his natural level,” said the 1997 World Champion.
The Canadian went on to underline the structural challenges of being Max Verstappen’s teammate: “Tsunoda has been the worst teammate Max Verstappen has had so far,” Villeneuve added. “I hear people say it’s the team’s fault because the car is made specifically for Verstappen, but if Max is the only driver capable of giving detailed feedback to the engineers, this dynamic inevitably becomes more pronounced. Tsunoda already has several years of Formula 1 experience, he is giving everything he has, but evidently, it is not enough.”
Jacques Villeneuve’s criticism highlights both the pressure and the high expectations that come with racing alongside a driver of Verstappen’s caliber. Red Bull cars are often tailored to the specific driving style of their lead driver, which can make it even harder for a teammate to perform at the same level. Despite his dedication and effort, Tsunoda has been unable to match Verstappen’s pace, leading to scrutiny from former champions and analysts alike.
The comments serve as a reminder of how challenging it is to step into a top-tier Formula 1 seat, especially one alongside a multiple-time World Champion. For Yuki Tsunoda, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a test of resilience and adaptability as he strives to prove his value in one of the most competitive teams on the grid.
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