Yuki Tsunoda, the standout performer at Red Bull’s sister team (RB) this season, is making no secret of his ambition to secure a Red Bull Racing seat for 2025. With Sergio Perez’s future uncertain following a challenging season, Tsunoda is pushing hard to prove he’s the natural successor. Yet, despite his strong performances, he feels overlooked and frustrated by the lack of clarity about his prospects.
The Fight for Recognition
Tsunoda has been a consistent force for RB, but with Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson also in the mix, he admits it’s hard to gauge where he stands in Red Bull’s future plans.
“Even if they say, ‘Yuki is in the mix,’ I don’t know if that’s true or not,” Tsunoda said. “I just have to focus on what I can control—my performance.”
Tsunoda’s frustration stems from what he sees as a departure from Red Bull’s traditional approach, where the top-performing driver at its sister team would typically earn a promotion.
“Historically, a driver who consistently outperforms the other at RB gets promoted. It’s kind of a natural thing,” he noted. “But something seems to have changed, maybe after [Red Bull founder] Dietrich Mateschitz passed away.”
The Importance of the Final Races
While Tsunoda is set to test the RB20 during the post-season session in Abu Dhabi, he believes his performance in the final two races of 2024 will have a greater impact on his Red Bull prospects.
“Testing is just testing,” he explained. “The next two races are definitely more important for being part of that conversation about the Red Bull seat.”
RB is currently locked in a tight battle for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship, and Tsunoda is determined to help secure the position. He hopes this contribution will further bolster his case for a promotion.
A Car That Suits Him
Tsunoda has already completed simulator sessions with Red Bull’s 2024 car and believes its characteristics align well with his natural driving style.
“It’s a fast car—sharp turning, great speed into corners,” he shared. “From what I’ve experienced in the simulator, it feels like a car that suits me well.”
This compatibility could strengthen Tsunoda’s argument for a promotion, particularly as Red Bull considers the importance of pairing Max Verstappen with a driver capable of consistently delivering results.
Navigating the Politics of Red Bull
Despite his optimism, Tsunoda acknowledges the complexity of Red Bull’s decision-making process.
“Maybe they’re facing things I don’t know about in the background,” he admitted. “But I’ll just keep pushing and hope my performance forces them to realize they need me in that seat.”
Tsunoda has also expressed frustration over the length of time it’s taken to get clarity on his future, saying he’s “gotten used to” the uncertainty. He remains determined to let his on-track results speak for themselves.
The Road Ahead
With Perez’s position under scrutiny and Red Bull’s depth of talent in its junior program, Tsunoda knows the competition is fierce. Yet, his confidence in his abilities and belief that the Red Bull car suits his style could make him a strong candidate.
For now, his focus remains on delivering standout performances in the final races of 2024. If he can help RB secure sixth in the Constructors’ Championship while showcasing his skills, Tsunoda might finally earn the recognition he feels he deserves.