For at least twelve months, Yuki Tsunoda has consistently faced questions about his place within Red Bull’s hierarchy. Growing tired of the same topic being revisited, Tsunoda has made clear where he stands.
Red Bull reluctant to promote Tsunoda
Since Pierre Gasly’s departure to Alpine at the end of 2022, several drivers have partnered Yuki Tsunoda at VCARB.
The first was Nyck de Vries, who the 24-year-old dispatched with relative ease. In less than ten rounds, Red Bull placed De Vries with 8-time winner Ricciardo.
Tsunoda then enjoyed a notable edge over Daniel Ricciardo, who was replaced after the Singapore GP to make way for Liam Lawson.
On each occasion that Tsunoda has outperformed a teammate, Red Bull have decided against promoting him. Christian Horner is clearly reluctant to put alongside Max Verstappen – irrespective of his results.
A common theme at Red Bull is to interpret Tsunoda’s head-to-head wins as a negative for his teammates – rather than a positive for Tsunoda himself.
Tsunoda unbothered by constant speculation
Because of this, Tsunoda’s future at the Red Bull set up is unclear. Understandably, the Japanese driver is growing tired of questions about this topic:
“I always say that I deserve that seat,” he told the media in Vegas.
“I can’t say more than that. Definitely it’s up to them [Red Bull].”
“There was a time that I probably started to get impatient, probably just before the summer break.
“But this thing, like I said, I recognise I can’t control. It’s just part of the life.
“I just have to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m the one who’s racing still now.
“Whoever they keep sending [as teammates] to beat me, whatever. I just keep destroying them – so that’s what I’m going to do.”
A waiting game
It would be an exaggeration to say that Tsunoda is the most impressive talent in VCARB’s history.
However, there have been many drivers with a less proven track record (Gasly, Albon, etc.) that were still given a chance at Red Bull.
It is also true that Red Bull have frequently replaced drivers with better results than those Sergio Perez has achieved in 2024.
Because of this, Yuki Tsunoda would be justified if he were frustrated by his current situation.
The Austrian team’s pursuit of Franco Colapinto is further confirmation that his chances of becoming Verstappen’s teammate are low.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, it is natural that Tsunoda should begin considering alternatives.
His performances have already generated interest from across the field, as he confirmed earlier this year.
Assuming that he continues to progress, there will openings for the 24-year-old to capitalise on in the driver market – whether at Red Bull or elsewhere.
