Why Red Bull Doesn't Trust Yuki Tsunoda

The departure of Sergio Perez was perhaps the great career opportunity of Yuki tsunodaThe 24-year-old Japanese, who rides in the stable of Faenza (Italy) since 2021, hoped to recover the seat of the Mexican. The native of Kanagawa (Japan) even had the opportunity to ride for Red Bull during the post-season tests in Abu Dhabi and made repeated appeals to the Austrian general staff.

« I heard a lot about how impressed they were, especially with my feedback, said Yuki Tsunoda at the Honda Racing 2024 Season Finale, bringing together and celebrating Honda riders across all categories. This came not only from engineers on the ground, but also from engineers working remotely from the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes. They told me how impressed they were with my contribution. This was a key focus for me. »

« “I think Red Bull have already understood that my speed is not an issue. They are focusing instead on things like my feedback, my behaviour within the team and how I conduct myself in the car,” he added. “They probably considered these areas as the biggest unknowns. With that in mind, I continued to provide feedback as I always have, trying to communicate as comprehensively and in detail as possible. »

Yuki Tsunoda tested with Red Bull in Abu Dhabi – Photo: DPPI

Tsunoda, too assertive a character?

At the end of this test, he estimated that his chances were 50-50. A balance that ultimately did not tip in his favor, with Helmut Marko and Christian Horner preferring to place their trust in Liam Lawson. A thoughtful choice, but risky. The 22-year-old New Zealander has only competed in 11 Grands Prix in F1 and will have to compete in his first full season alongside a four-time reigning world champion who leaves only crumbs to his garage neighbors. Tsunoda, for his part, has already had four seasons of Formula 1 under the belt and 87 Grand Prix contested. An experience much superior to the native of Hastings (New Zealand), who arrives at Red Bull with fewer races under his belt than Alex Albon when the Thai replaced Pierre Gasly in 2019 (12).

Certainly, Lawson has some experience outside of F1, notably in Super Formula and DTM, but they are not comparable to several seasons in a row in the premier class of motorsport, and all the demands that this entails. So, what worked against Tsunoda so that his application for a permanent status at Red Bull was not accepted?

Although he has shown a certain maturity this season, the Japanese has often distinguished himself since his arrival in Formula 1 by rather virulent radio communications, notably in Austria this year, where he made insulting remarks towards other pilots, on his employer's land. His mood swings are well-known and probably did not help his case.

Yuki Tsunoda will still wear the Racing Bulls colours in 2025 – Photo: DPPI

A future at Aston Martin for Tsunoda?

do not forget that Max Verstappen is undeniably the cornerstone of the Red Bull empire. The Austrian team is doing everything it can to keep its Dutch prodigy under contract until 2028, despite the exit clauses that could open the door for him. With Aston Martin et Mercedes lying in wait, ready to secure the champion's signature, Milton Keynes is doubling its efforts to pamper its number 1. The choice of teammate is therefore going in this direction and Tsunoda has demonstrated a certain character since his debut in F1 which seems incompatible with Verstappen, himself volcanic when things do not go as he wishes.

Another point: where will Yuki Tsunoda be in 2026? The Japanese is strongly linked to Honda, which will be Aston Martin's engine supplier. The chances of seeing him follow the Japanese engine supplier to the Gaydon brand are not zero and Red Bull would therefore have little interest in promoting its driver for a single season before seeing him leave for England.

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