Yuki Tsunoda on missing out on Red Bull promotion: “It doesn’t matter which car, I’ll have to do the same things”. Tsunoda: "I understand why Red Bull chose Lawson".

The top figures in motorsport are experiencing an intense few days in London. With the F175 Live event scheduled for this evening (21:00 – 23:00 CET) at the O2 Arena, drivers and team principals have been caught by journalists eager to get some early statements.

Winter has been long, and there’s still a month to go before the first Grand Prix of the season in Melbourne. For the media gathered in England, today feels like the first day of school—catching up with colleagues and discussing what everyone has been up to during the break.

For Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda, the off-season didn’t start in the best way. Red Bull decided to part ways with Sergio Perez and turn to young Liam Lawson (his temporary teammate in the final races of last season) only on December 19, well after the championship had ended.

Tsunoda: “I understand why Red Bull chose Lawson”

So when Yuki Tsunoda appeared in front of the cameras for the first time, the question was inevitable: is there still resentment, regret, or has everything been put behind him? Yuki’s response was ice-cold: “What happened in 2024 is history now, I’ve put it behind me and erased it from my mind. I didn’t feel anger or disappointment when the announcement was made. Whether I drive for VCARB or Red Bull, I still have to do the same things,” he told Formula1.com.

“I understand why they chose Liam. There are things beyond my control, and what I can do is keep focusing on myself,” continued the 24-year-old, now in his fifth season with the Faenza-based team, which—given the current situation—could also be his last.

2025 could be Tsunoda’s final season with Red Bull

From 2026, neither Red Bull nor VCARB will be powered by Honda, instead using the first true in-house power unit developed in Milton Keynes in collaboration with Ford. Will Yuki Tsunoda still be part of Red Bull’s plans, or will it be time for him to look elsewhere? The young driver says he’s not making any calculations—at least not yet: “The team will change its name again in 2026. I’d love to remain in the Red Bull family, and if I had a chance with the main team, that would be fantastic. It all depends on my performance. Whatever happens, there could be interesting options,” he concluded, according to Formula1.com.