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Yuki Tsunoda’s shocking regret about Red Bull F1 promotion: did he throw away racing glory?

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
December 13, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Yuki Tsunoda’s shocking regret about Red Bull F1 promotion: did he throw away racing glory?

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 07: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan driving the (22) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Liam Lawson of New Zealand driving the (30) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 07, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Guido De Bortoli/LAT Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202512070340 // Usage for editorial use only //

Yuki Tsunoda Speaks Out: The Heart-Wrenching Regret of Leaving Behind a “Pretty Good F***ing Car”

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, where every millisecond counts, Yuki Tsunoda has laid bare a poignant regret following his brief stint with the illustrious Red Bull Racing team. The Japanese driver, who was promoted to the prestigious team in 2025 after four challenging seasons with the Faenza-based squad, has admitted that the one thing gnawing at him is not the pressure of competing against titans like Max Verstappen, but rather the emotional toll of abandoning the “pretty good f***ing car” known as VCARB.

Tsunoda’s promotion was heralded as a significant milestone in his career, marking what many hoped would be his rise to the top echelons of motorsport. But the reality proved to be a harsh awakening, as he struggled to keep pace with Verstappen in the RB21 and ultimately lost his seat to the rising star, Isack Hadjar. The decision left Tsunoda facing an uncertain future for the 2026 season, relegated to a test and reserve role with the Milton Keynes powerhouse.

Reflecting on his time with Red Bull, Tsunoda’s sentiment echoed the emotional weight of lost opportunities. “I probably said that I didn’t have any regrets,” he confided, speaking to the media, “but the only regret I have is missing out on that pretty good f***ing car in VCARB.” His attachment to the VCARB-02 runs deep, as it represented years of development and hard work. “It’s like throwing away your kids, your baby,” he lamented. “That car has my DNA inside it. Missing out on it and not achieving the level we aimed for is something I truly miss.”

The shadow of his tumultuous spell at Red Bull is further complicated by the haunting memory of a crucial crash during Q1 at Imola. This incident not only marred his confidence but also contributed to an uphill battle for upgrades during the season. Tsunoda revealed that Verstappen was the sole beneficiary of upgrades during this critical phase, leaving him at a disadvantage. Yet, he remains proud of his ability to close the gap when conditions were equal. “When all parts and cars were equal, I could get much closer to him,” Tsunoda asserted. “I can’t deny that he’s the best driver in the group, but I’m happy I was able to catch up quite quickly.”

Despite the frustrations, especially with the Imola crash that he describes as “unnecessary,” Tsunoda believes he has grown tremendously as a driver. “I look back at Imola with a lot of frustration,” he admitted, but he also noted the lessons learned throughout the season. “The results might look bad, especially compared to Verstappen, but if you analyze the performance, I was closing in on him significantly. And once I got the same car, I was very competitive.”

As Tsunoda prepares for a new chapter as a test and reserve driver, the memories of the VCARB and his fierce determination to compete will undoubtedly fuel his drive for redemption. With the competitive landscape of F1 becoming increasingly fierce, Tsunoda’s journey serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the sport. As he reflects on a season filled with both promise and regret, one thing is clear: Yuki Tsunoda is not done yet. The roar of the engines may be quiet for now, but this young talent is poised to make a thunderous comeback.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-seasonisack-hadjar-2max-verstappen-enoracle-red-bull-racingyuki-tsunodas
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