Yuki Tsunoda, one of Formula 1’s rising stars, believes his 2024 season performances make him deserving of a promotion to the Red Bull Racing team. Despite outpacing teammates Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson at AlphaTauri, the Japanese driver finds himself on the sidelines of the Red Bull conversation, watching as others vie for the coveted second seat alongside Max Verstappen.
“I Deserve a Shot”
With four years of experience under his belt, Tsunoda feels his progression as a driver should speak for itself. “Compared to what I’ve done this year, it’s quite clear that I should get a chance,” Tsunoda stated. “But it’s Formula One, one of the most political sports, and anything can happen.”
The 24-year-old has proven his mettle in 2024, consistently delivering strong performances and outperforming his teammates. However, rumors swirl that Red Bull is favoring Lawson—a driver with less experience—leading Tsunoda to voice his frustration at being overlooked.
“Not Just a Fiery Personality”
One of the criticisms leveled against Tsunoda is his fiery temperament, which has sometimes translated into erratic performances in past seasons. But Tsunoda argues that he has evolved. “If [Red Bull] said that last year, it makes sense, but this year I’ve stepped up a lot. There aren’t many occasions where I’ve gone completely out of control,” he remarked.
Despite speculation, Tsunoda dismisses theories that his ties to Honda—set to partner with Aston Martin in 2026—are a barrier to his promotion. “I don’t think the Honda situation has anything to do with it. Otherwise, it doesn’t really make sense,” he stated confidently.
Navigating Uncertainty
Tsunoda admits the lack of clarity from Red Bull’s leadership adds to his frustration. While Team Principal Christian Horner has assured him, “I’m keeping an eye on you,” Tsunoda feels Red Bull’s intentions remain ambiguous. “To be honest, I’m not really clear on what they want,” he said.
While Tsunoda is content staying within the Red Bull family for now, he acknowledges the importance of exploring other opportunities. “As a driver, I can’t just keep relying on them. It’s always good to have options.”
A Battle for Recognition
Tsunoda’s dissatisfaction stems not only from being overlooked but also from the narrative surrounding his potential. While many speculate his fiery attitude or contractual ties to Honda might be holding him back, Tsunoda points to his significant growth and consistency in 2024 as evidence that he’s ready for the challenge.
For now, the Japanese driver remains focused on the upcoming 2025 season, where he aims to further prove himself. Whether at Red Bull or elsewhere, Tsunoda’s message is clear: he’s here to compete, and he believes he’s earned his shot at the top.
As the F1 paddock debates his future, Tsunoda is determined to let his performances do the talking. But the burning question remains: will Red Bull finally recognize the talent simmering in their ranks, or will Tsunoda have to look elsewhere to achieve his dreams?
