Yuki Tsunoda confirmed for a new role in F1 with Racing Bulls
It is now official: Yuki Tsunoda will continue his involvement in Formula 1 with Racing Bulls. The Japanese driver will share the reserve driver role with his fellow countryman Ayumu Iwasa. For Tsunoda, this represents an important opportunity to stay connected with the top tier of motorsport after losing his race seat at Red Bull.
Challenges for Tsunoda during the 2025 season
The 2025 season presented several difficulties for Yuki Tsunoda, especially after replacing Liam Lawson at the Milton Keynes team. Achieving competitive performance with Red Bull has proven challenging for anyone paired with Max Verstappen in recent years, and Yuki was the latest driver to face the demanding expectations of the team.
New opportunities at Racing Bulls
Now Yuki Tsunoda has a fresh opportunity by returning to Racing Bulls, where he spent the early stages of his career. This role will allow the Japanese driver to participate in F1 testing sessions, gaining valuable track time and experience that could help him in future opportunities.
Racing Bulls announces its reserve drivers
The Faenza-based team has completed its official 2026 lineup. Racing Bulls confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda and Ayumu Iwasa will serve as the team’s reserve drivers. The duo will share not only responsibilities but also the same nationality, strengthening the Japanese presence within the team.
Importance of reserve drivers for 2026 development
For the Italian team, 2026 represents a crucial season due to the introduction of a new Power Unit. Managing the battery effectively has proven to be a key challenge, making simulator work during race weekends essential. Teams are in the early phase of a new regulatory cycle, and feedback from both official and reserve drivers is critical for car development.
Tsunoda’s role despite separation from Red Bull
Despite parting ways with Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda remains a potentially valuable asset for Racing Bulls. With Honda moving its power unit partnership to Aston Martin, there was speculation that Yuki Tsunoda could join the British team, but this option did not materialize. As a result, he stays within the same family that brought him into Formula 1, while Ayumu Iwasa continues to work to impress the team’s leadership for a possible future promotion.
This strategic move ensures that Racing Bulls maintains a high level of experience within its technical department during a year of immense change. With Tsunoda’s extensive race knowledge and Iwasa’s promising pace, the team is well-positioned to refine its 2026 package. The collaboration between these two drivers will be essential in bridging the gap between simulator data and on-track performance as the season progresses.
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