F1
Laurent Mekies believes in a return of Yuki Tsunoda to F1
Photo Xavi Bonilla / DPPI
Following Sergio Pérez's departure at the end of the 2024 season, Red Bull had chosen to promote Liam Lawson alongside Max VerstappenHowever, after two difficult Grands Prix, the New Zealander was sent back to Racing Bulls as part of a seat swap with tsunoda.
The season then proved difficult for the Japanese driver. Tsunoda finished the year in 17th place in the World Drivers' Championship, his best result being a sixth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Before the Abu Dhabi finale, Red Bull confirmed that Tsunoda would be replaced by Isack Hadjar in the racing team from 2026. At 25 years old, the Japanese driver will therefore take on a role as a test and reserve driver for both teams.
When asked about this choice, Laurent Mekies, who worked with Tsunoda for a long time when he managed Racing Bulls before reuniting with him at Red Bull, acknowledged the complexity of the decision. This was a very difficult decision to make. explained the Frenchman. The second seat with us isn't easy. We have a demanding car to drive and we've done everything we can to support Yuki. »
The leader nevertheless believes that Tsunoda has not had his final say in Formula 1 that holds the top spot. " At some point, a choice had to be made with the future in mind. I hope, and I believe, that Yuki will have another opportunity. He will be a reserve driver with us next year. »
Mekies also pointed out that Red Bull is no stranger to making quick decisions regarding its drivers, leaving the door open for an unexpected return. "You never know what the future holds. We've shown in the past that situations can change very quickly. At the end of the 2024 season, Yuki was driving very well, but it was difficult for him to accept Liam's promotion to Red Bull Racing."
The Frenchman also highlighted Tsunoda's ability to bounce back after a setback. He came back with a clear objective: to give it his all. Three races later, he was driving for Red Bull. Everyone goes through difficult periods in their career. This is one of them for him, but I'm convinced he has the qualities needed to seize another opportunity. »
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Valentin GLO
Journalist. Endurance reporter (WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS) and sometimes F1 or IndyCar.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
28/12/2025 at 04:58 a.m.
It's hard to believe Tsunoda will return to Red Bull Racing unless Hadjar does even worse than the Japanese driver. No driver dropped by Red Bull Racing has ever been able to return to the seat they lost... but a new chapter begins at RBR with Mekies and without that good old Doktor Helmooooooout!