Japanese Formula 1 star Yuki Tsunoda, currently in his fourth season, is making a compelling case to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull for the 2025 season. The 24-year-old continues to impress with his performances, consistently outperforming more experienced drivers despite piloting a slower car. His recent triumph over Perez at the Las Vegas GP, coupled with his dominance over teammates Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson, has placed him firmly in the spotlight.
However, Tsunoda’s bid to step into the top team has faced skepticism within Red Bull’s inner circle, leaving fans and pundits questioning what more he must prove. Former Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly weighed in, suggesting that Tsunoda’s evaluation might extend beyond just performance metrics.
Gasly: “Performance Isn’t Everything at Red Bull”
Gasly, who raced under Red Bull’s program for eight years, acknowledged Tsunoda’s significant growth since his F1 debut:
“Performance-wise, he deserves a chance. He seems to have improved a lot… and has been performing strongly this season and last year,” Gasly remarked. “He’s beaten his teammate, so from that point of view, it makes sense to give him a shot.”
But the Frenchman also hinted at the complexities of Red Bull’s decision-making process:
“It’s a top team, and it depends on what Christian [Horner] and Helmut [Marko] want. Performance isn’t the only factor they consider. Personally, I’d like to see him in that seat to see what he can do, but it’s not that easy.”
Tsunoda’s Path: A Long Climb to the Top
Despite being part of Red Bull’s development program since 2019, Tsunoda has yet to test the reigning champions’ car. Throughout the 2024 season, he was seen as the fourth choice behind Ricciardo, Lawson, and Perez. However, his consistency, especially against faster cars, has begun shifting perceptions.
His standout performances, including at Las Vegas where he out-qualified and out-raced Perez, highlight his ability to compete at the highest level. Yet, Red Bull’s reluctance to promote him remains a mystery.
Gasly’s Alpine Momentum and the Fight for Sixth
While Tsunoda battles for a Red Bull seat, Gasly has his focus on Alpine’s resurgence. After starting the season as backmarkers, Alpine has clawed its way into contention, now just one point behind Haas for sixth in the Constructors’ Championship. Reflecting on the team’s progress, Gasly expressed optimism:
“We’re in the fight for sixth. Haas and RB are competitive, but we’ve shown we can be in the top ten consistently. The last two weekends will be crucial.”
Gasly also emphasized the gap to the top four teams but remained hopeful Alpine could close it over time:
“The top four feel like they’re in a different league on race day. But we’re working to close that gap and hope to be in the top five more consistently in the future.”
What’s Next for Tsunoda?
Tsunoda’s 2024 campaign has been a showcase of his potential, but Red Bull’s decision will hinge on factors beyond the track. With two races left, the Japanese driver has a final opportunity to make his case, even as whispers of internal politics and strategic considerations cloud his path.
For now, Tsunoda is proving that he’s not just a promising talent but a driver capable of pushing boundaries—even if Red Bull isn’t ready to hand him the keys to the RB seat just yet.
