Even Yuki Tsunoda is struggling to hold his own against Max Verstappen within the main Red Bull Racing team, but team principal Christian Horner has stepped in to offer some reassurance.
Just two races into the 2025 Formula 1 season, Red Bull Racing made a bold internal move: demoting Liam Lawson and promoting Yuki Tsunoda from the sister team to partner Max Verstappen. However, Tsunoda’s performances have not been particularly convincing, raising concerns about his long-term future with the Milton Keynes-based team—especially considering the strong showings by other drivers within the Red Bull junior program.
In recent days, much of the attention in the Formula 1 paddock has focused on reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who is rumored to be involved in ongoing talks with Mercedes for a possible future switch. However, at the same time, there is increasing discussion surrounding the second Red Bull Racing seat, which has been a point of debate since the beginning of the season.
That seat is currently held by Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, who so far has failed to match the results of his illustrious teammate, four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. Tsunoda’s task has not been made easier by the fact that Red Bull no longer enjoys a dominant car advantage, as it did in previous years.
Despite the lacklustre results, Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner recently commented on Tsunoda’s situation, ruling out the possibility of another mid-season driver change like the one made with Liam Lawson. Horner stated: “Obviously, our priority will be to carefully evaluate the talents we have available. Yuki has time until the end of the season to prove he is the right person to stay in the car.”
However, while Horner may have publicly ruled out an immediate switch, he has not removed the pressure from Yuki Tsunoda. Several drivers within the Red Bull system—and even outside of it—are delivering strong performances and could be ready to step into a Formula 1 seat if needed.
“Isack Hadjar is also doing a good job, and Liam Lawson is rediscovering his form,” Christian Horner added. “Within the Red Bull junior program, we clearly have talent. But of course, we are always open to looking outside that pool as well. We want to field the best driver line-up possible for next year. In recent seasons, we’ve already made some unconventional choices. If we feel the need to do so again, we won’t hesitate.”
Is Arvid Lindblad a threat to Yuki Tsunoda’s seat?
One of the most talked-about names in recent months is that of Arvid Lindblad, a rising star in the Red Bull Junior Team. The British driver made headlines by becoming the youngest driver ever to win a Formula 2 race. During the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, Arvid Lindblad made his Formula 1 debut by taking part in the rookie Free Practice 1 session.
Despite not having reached the legal age of adulthood, Lindblad was allowed to take the wheel of Yuki Tsunoda’s car for the FP1 session. Team principal Christian Horner later commented on the session, praising the young Briton’s performance.
“I think he did very well,” said Horner. “He is obviously another product of the Red Bull Junior Team. He’s a talented kid—just 17 years old. To get into the car here, at such a challenging circuit, and be only half a second off the second-fastest time—I think he handled it extremely well. His feedback to the engineers was clear and concise, and yes, he is definitely a promising driver for the future.”
Arvid Lindblad’s maturity, performance, and rapid adaptation to Formula 1 machinery have certainly drawn attention. His solid FP1 session could serve as a warning sign for Yuki Tsunoda, who may now feel even more pressure to deliver results, knowing that the next generation of Red Bull talent is already knocking at the door.
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