The 2025 Formula 1 season is fast approaching, and while Liam Lawson has secured his big break with Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda finds himself stuck in limbo.
Despite outperforming multiple teammates at RB (formerly AlphaTauri) and showing consistent improvement, the 24-year-old Japanese driver was overlooked for a Red Bull promotion—a decision that has sparked plenty of debate.
But while Tsunoda won’t be in a Red Bull seat this season, Christian Horner has made it clear—Red Bull is still keeping a close eye on him.
Tsunoda Still in Red Bull’s Plans—For Now
Tsunoda was one of the two frontrunners for the Red Bull second seat alongside Liam Lawson.
Ultimately, Lawson got the nod, but Horner has not ruled out a future opportunity for Tsunoda.
💬 Horner on Tsunoda’s Red Bull prospects:
“Yuki is in the pool, [but] our priority is on our race drivers. Yuki is a very talented driver, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on him—and Isack Hadjar as well.”
Translation? Tsunoda’s fate in Red Bull’s system is still up in the air. If Lawson struggles, Tsunoda could become a contender for a promotion once again.
The Harsh Reality: Red Bull Won’t Wait Forever
While Horner acknowledged Tsunoda’s talent, he also issued a brutal reality check—time is running out.
💬 Horner’s warning:
“You can’t have a driver in the support team for five years. You can’t always be the bridesmaid. You’ve either got to let them go at that point or look at something different.”
🚨 This is a clear ultimatum for Tsunoda.
If he doesn’t move up soon, Red Bull may cut ties entirely—forcing him to find a future elsewhere on the F1 grid.
RB’s 2024 Struggles Didn’t Help Tsunoda’s Case
While Tsunoda performed well individually, RB’s overall performance in 2024 was underwhelming, especially after mid-season driver swaps and inconsistent form.
Even though he proved his speed, Red Bull clearly saw something more in Lawson—leaving Tsunoda in a precarious situation.
🚨 Can Tsunoda Force Red Bull to Reconsider?
✅ If Lawson struggles, Red Bull may turn back to Tsunoda.
✅ A dominant season at RB could make Tsunoda an undeniable choice.
✅ If Red Bull cuts ties, another team may swoop in to sign him.
The Verdict: Make-or-Break Year for Tsunoda
🚀 2025 will define Yuki Tsunoda’s future—either with Red Bull or somewhere else on the grid.
🚀 Red Bull is watching, but their patience is wearing thin.
🚀 It’s now or never—can Tsunoda prove he belongs at the top?
One thing’s for sure—his future is anything but certain.
