Yuki Tsunoda wasted no time in making an impression this season. He blew all expectations for VCARB out of the water in qualifying, going 5th fastest after putting together a near perfect lap.
With former teammate Liam Lawson eliminated in Q1 for Red Bull, there was another dimension to Tsunoda’s brilliant Australia qualifying result.
However, his pace has never been in question – at least not in recent years. The 24-year-old’s focus in 2025 will be to capitalise on any openings in the market.
Tsunoda’s position at Red Bull is uncertain
For obvious reasons, Red Bull’s decision to promote Lawson was a huge blow for Tsunoda.
Having performed at a high level across multiple campaigns, it seems the Japanese driver’s results have been irrelevant in the considerations of Christian Horner.
In many ways, the Milton Keynes outfit have only used the 24-year-old as a benchmark to evaluate other candidates.
This is why Red Bull activated their option on his contract last year – preventing Tsunoda from leaving the team.
Tsunoda was deemed to valuable to release, but simultaneously not seen as a serious Red Bull candidate.
Luckily for the VCARB driver, his contract with the team expires at the end of 2025. This means that he is no longer restricted in his driver market activities.
Other teams interested in his services
To some degree, it would be premature to disregard a future at Red Bull for Tsunoda.
Although making any drastic conclusions about Lawson after his P18 finish in qualifying would be hasty, there is every chance that the Kiwi could struggle in 2025.
Since Ricciardo’s departure in 2018, Red Bull have consistently failed to select the correct driver to partner Max Verstappen.
Lawson’s path to Milton Keynes is actually very similar to the likes of Albon and Gasly, whose time at the team was short lived.
To be clear, this is not to say Red Bull are looking to promote Tsunoda.
Even if Lawson struggles, Christian Horner is likely to give him plenty of time to acclimatise.
Still, if Tsunoda can continue performing at this level, it would certainly give Red Bull something to think about.
Qualifying in Albert Park has confirmed the field is extremely tight, with the likes of Williams and VCARB capable of upsetting the top teams.
In this context, Lawson (who it cannot be forgotten has only completed 11 races), must acclimatise quickly.
Deciding the next steps in F1
Depending on Arvid Lindblad’s results in Formula 2, Red Bull might be happy to keep Tsunoda at VCARB in 2026.
Not only does he score regular points for the Faenza squad, but he is an excellent reference for young talents – including this year’s rookie Isack Hadjar.
However, it must be assumed that Tsunoda will explore alternatives to Red Bull if possible.
Anything short of a 2026 seat alongside Verstappen is unlikely to convince the 24-year-old that he is seen as an asset at Milton Keynes.
The good news for Tsunoda is that he is currently the most highly rated free agent in F1.
He is now relatively experienced despite being just 24, and his speed is now impossible to refute.
This means he offers a very complete package to any interested outfits.
Positioning himself for 2026
Unlike twelve months ago, there are very few teams with vacancies.
With that said, since most driver contracts expiring at the end of 2026, Tsunoda just needs to ensure he secures a place on the grid next year.
Regardless of how competitive his next team is, staying on the grid will provide a platform for potentially better opportunities.
One team who could consider the Japanese driver for 2026 is Cadillac. Until now, the American team have been linked with Colton Herta, Zhou Guanyu or even Valtteri Bottas.
However, Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon has revealed that more than 6 drivers are already on his shortlist.
Lowdon also outlined that any new opportunities in the market will be explored in the coming months.
Considering the other drivers available, Tsunoda is arguably the best option available to F1’s latest entrant.
Unlike last season, Red Bull will not be able to restrict the 24-year-old from leaving.
Assuming Tsunoda can continue performing at the level he has shown since 2022, his future in F1 (slightly complicated) should be secure.
