Despite putting together consistently strong performances, Yuki Tsunoda continues to be overlooked by Red Bull as a candidate to drive alongside Max Verstappen. Well aware of Red Bull’s reluctance, Tsunoda has provided some insights into his mentality.
Tsunoda operating at a very high level
Over the last three race weekends, Yuki Tsunoda has outqualified Red Bull’s Sergio Perez on every occasion.
The Japanese driver has also recorded 11 Q3 appearances in 2024, just one less than Perez.
An evaluation of Tsunoda’s recent form and performance across this year will draw similar conclusions – he is putting together a very strong campaign.
By all accounts, he is a logical solution to Red Bull’s driver dilemma.
After all, with just 18 points since the summer break, it is difficult to make a case that Tsunoda would be any worse. In the last eighteen months, the 24-year-old has got the better of De Vries, Ricciardo and now Lawson.
There is every reason to believe Tsunoda is capable of at least reinforcing Verstappen in the battle of the front.
“Hopefully they’ll change their mind”
Speaking after qualifying P7 in Las Vegas, the VCARB driver spoke candidly about his Red Bull chances:
“Those things, I can’t control,” Tsunoda told Sky Sports.
“What I can control is my performance, which I’m showing this year so far.
“I trust myself, and show my consistent results as much as possible. Hopefully they’ll change their mind.
“I will do as much as I can. I know what I can do when I step into Red Bull.
“But for now, I’ve just got to prepare as much as possible, show good results and let them decide.”
Red Bull continue to deliberate
Considering that Sergio Perez finished almost 300 points behind Verstappen in 2023, last winter would have been an opportunity for Red Bull to give Tsunoda an opportunity.
Over the course of this season, their choice to retain the 34-year-old has cost them in the Championship.
For a team once renowned for making cut-throat decisions, their reluctance to replace Perez is perplexing. This is especially true in the context of Yuki Tsunoda performing at a consistently solid level.
As reported previously by LWOS, Tsunoda has never been Red Bull’s first option for a promotion.
Considering his efforts over the last two seasons, it is difficult to imaging what more he can do to change Christian Horner’s perspective.
Regardless, as Tsunoda articulated, his objective will be to continue securing solid results and rising his value in the market.
