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Max Verstappen’s Penalty Dilemma Could Pave Way for Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull Debut in F1 2025

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 2, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Max Verstappen’s Penalty Dilemma Could Pave Way for Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull Debut in F1 2025

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 27: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls looks on in the garage during day two of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 27, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202502270093 // Usage for editorial use only //

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As the 2025 Formula 1 season revs up, reigning champion Max Verstappen gears up to chase an unprecedented fifth consecutive title. However, an undercurrent of tension permeates as Verstappen’s FIA superlicence tallies an uncomfortable eight penalty points, perilously close to the 12-point threshold that results in a one-race ban. This precarious situation could open up a golden opportunity for Yuki Tsunoda to step up from Red Bull’s junior team, VCARB, and make his Red Bull debut.

According to F1 technical analyst Sam Collins, this could be a “game-changing opportunity” for Tsunoda, who awaits the dawn of a pivotal season in his career. Should Verstappen accrue four more penalty points, Tsunoda stands as the “clear” replacement choice, poised on the brink of a potential career-defining moment.

“Max Verstappen’s on-track incidents last year have left him on the brink of a one-race ban,” Collins commented during Sky F1’s coverage of F1 2025 testing in Bahrain. “This could potentially present a unique chance for Yuki Tsunoda to step into the race seat, even if just for one race.”

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The prospect of Tsunoda replacing Verstappen, even temporarily, could lead to some intriguing outcomes. “Imagine Tsunoda in the Red Bull at Suzuka, Honda’s home circuit,” Collins mused. “The potential narrative could be quite compelling.”

On the other hand, Tsunoda has a new team-mate in Isack Hadjar, who ascended to F1 after clinching the second position in the 2024 F2 Championship. Despite outscoring Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson last season, Tsunoda was once again overlooked for a Red Bull promotion, with Lawson taking the seat after Perez’s departure.

At 24, Tsunoda is set for another season at VCARB, aiming to finally secure that elusive Red Bull breakthrough, possibly at Verstappen’s expense. Alternatively, he could attract the interest of a new team. However, Tsunoda candidly concedes that scoring points in the early stages of F1 2025 could be a daunting challenge.

In a media interaction, including PlanetF1.com, at pre-season testing in Bahrain, Tsunoda stated, “I don’t foresee us having as competitive a performance as we did in the first half of last season. It might be more challenging to compete against the top 10 and score points.”

Nonetheless, the upcoming season promises a wealth of excitement, not least due to the potential seismic shift in fortunes for Verstappen and Tsunoda. As the engines roar into life in Bahrain, all eyes will be on the unfolding drama on the high-speed tarmac of F1 2025.

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