Honda Racing President, Koji Watanabe, drops a bombshell regarding Yuki Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1, declaring that the young driver will remain with Red Bull until the end of the season, regardless of his lackluster performance so far. With only seven points in ten races, Tsunoda has been far behind his teammate Max Verstappen, sparking speculations of a possible replacement.
However, Watanabe reveals a shocking twist in the agreement made with Red Bull back in March, stating that Tsunoda’s initial performance wouldn’t lead to hasty decisions, emphasizing a long-term approach. Despite swirling rumors, there have been no discussions of a switch during the summer break, with the team reaffirming their commitment to the driver until the season’s close.
But the bombshell doesn’t stop there – 2026 could be Tsunoda’s make-or-break year at Red Bull. Watanabe hints that if the Japanese driver can demonstrate significant progress in the latter half of the season, he might secure his spot for 2026. The pressure is on Tsunoda to deliver results and prove his worth to the team.
In a surprising revelation, Tsunoda discloses that he has been “two steps behind” Verstappen in terms of car updates, attributing this discrepancy to his struggles in the 2025 F1 season. However, starting from the Belgian Grand Prix, Tsunoda will finally have access to the same upgrades as Verstappen. Despite the challenge of adapting to the new package in a shortened sprint weekend format, the determined driver remains focused on giving his all.
As the F1 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Tsunoda as he fights to secure his future in the sport. Will he rise to the occasion and prove his critics wrong, or will he falter under the immense pressure? Only time will tell in this high-stakes battle for redemption on the racetrack.
STATISTICS
Yuki Tsunoda (Japanese: 角田 裕毅, Hepburn: Tsunoda Yūki, born 11 May 2000) is a Japanese racing driver, who competes in Formula One for Red Bull Racing. Born in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Tsunoda began competitive kart racing aged nine. Supported by Honda since 2016 through the Honda Formula Dream Project , Tsunoda graduated to junior formulae the same year. He won his first full championship at the JAF Japan F4 East Series in 2017, winning the F4 Japanese Championship the next season. In 2019, he progressed to FIA Formula 3 with Jenzer and became a member of the Red Bull Junior Team, before finishing third in his rookie season of FIA Formula 2 in 2020 with Carlin. Tsunoda debuted in Formula One for AlphaTauri in 2021, using a Honda powertrain alongside Pierre Gasly; he finished a career-best fourth at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that year. Tsunoda retained his seat at AlphaTauri in 2022 and 2023, partnering Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo in the latter. He remained at the team for the 2024 season as they re-branded to Racing Bulls. Tsunoda was originally contracted to remain at Racing Bulls until at least the end of the 2025 season, partnering with Isack Hadjar, but was promoted to Red Bull Racing on 27 March 2025. He currently wears jersey number 22. Current Season: 8 podium finishes, 3 race wins, 2 pole positions. Championship standings: 2nd place with 285 points. Best lap times: Sector records at 4 circuits. Career wins: 25 victories from 180 starts. Fastest lap awards: 12 career fastest laps. Team performance: Leading constructor’s championship.
