Yuki Tsunoda is uncertain about Red Bull’s plans for his future
Yuki Tsunoda can be credited with an impressive 2024 campaign until now. The 24-year-old has scored most of VCARB’s points this year whilst regularly making Q3 appearances. On paper, his efforts should make him an obvious contender for a promotion to Red Bull – especially as Sergio Perez struggles to produce results. However, Tsunoda admits he is unsure about the future.
Red Bull have made no secret that Perez’s performances are unsustainable if he wants to continue with the team.
What is less known, however, is who they are considering to replace the 6-time race winner.
As previously outlined, Tsunoda is the most natural selection, at least in theory. He is a product of the Red Bull academy and has developed into a fast and consistent driver, as evidenced by his record against teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
Despite this, the consensus is that Tsunoda is not a front-runner to become Max Verstappen’s next teammate.
Christian Horner is the main decision-maker at Red Bull, especially since he emerged victorious from the power struggle at Milton Keynes earlier this season.
It is well-established that Ricciardo is Horner’s preferred choice. Helmut Marko – generally more complimentary of Tsunoda – will struggle to change the Red Bull team principal’s mind on this issue.
Tsunoda: I am doing everything I can
Speaking to the media in Belgium, Tsunoda was candid about the state of affairs:
“If you see the previous races, since race one, it’s quite clear how much I’ve improved on the tracks,” Motorsportweek quotes him as saying.
“The amount of Q3 appearances, the amount of points taken on new tracks, I think that proves enough. Obviously, this race will be important as well, but we’ll see how it goes.
“At this point, I don’t know if they’re considering me, maybe they’re considering me…
“Probably, they are having conversations in the background. Hopefully, I’m in the conversation. And I think I’ve done what I should have done.”
Ultimately, it would be premature and presumptive to say that Tsunoda is definitely out of contention for a Red Bull seat. Things can change quickly in Formula 1, as Red Bull frequently remind us.
The reigning Champions value him as a driver – at least enough to extend his contract with VCARB.
That said, there are limited indications about their willingness to promote him to the main team. After all, Tsunoda’s performances have been very strong for the last eighteen months – yet Red Bull have scarcely mentioned him as a concrete option.
Inevitably, the next few weeks should provide more clarity on the Austrian outfit’s next move.
