Red Bull Racing Team’s Future in Jeopardy: Christian Horner Questions Yuki Tsunoda’s Fate
In a shocking turn of events, Red Bull Racing’s team principal, Christian Horner, has cast doubt on Yuki Tsunoda’s future with the team for the 2026 season. This revelation comes amidst uncertainty surrounding the team’s second driver position following Sergio Perez’s significant performance decline last season, leading to his replacement during the winter break.
Despite Perez’s popularity among fans and sponsors, Red Bull Racing seems determined to prioritize performance over sentiment, a lesson learned from past mistakes. This shift in focus has put pressure on both current and potential drivers within the team.
With Liam Lawson’s swift demotion back to Racing Bulls after a brief stint with the senior team, the spotlight has now turned to Yuki Tsunoda. While Tsunoda has shown promise, Horner emphasized the need for the young driver to elevate his performance if he aims to secure his spot for the upcoming season.
Horner’s recent statement to Bild ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix highlighted the team’s expectations for Tsunoda, stating, “Personally, Yuki is a great fit for the team. He’s a good guy who contributes well in the garage. But if he wants to be considered for next year, he needs to improve further.”
This ultimatum underscores the intense competition within Red Bull Racing and serves as a wake-up call for Tsunoda to prove his capabilities in the highly competitive environment alongside Verstappen.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Tsunoda’s performance, with speculations already arising about potential replacements, including rising talent Isack Hadjar. The dynamics within the team continue to evolve, leaving drivers like Tsunoda on edge as they fight to secure their future in one of the most prestigious racing teams in Formula 1.
