Yuki Tsunoda, an accomplished racer in the Formula 1 arena, recently shed light on the circumstances surrounding his unexpected exclusion from Red Bull at the close of the 2024 season. Tsunoda, who has four years of F1 racing under his belt, emphatically stated that his performance wasn’t the reason for the snub.
Throughout the 2024 season, Tsunoda’s teammates, Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson, consistently seemed to be the preferred choice for replacing Sergio Perez. And indeed, Lawson was ultimately chosen for the role, despite his comparatively limited experience of just 11 Grand Prix starts.
Despite the perceived setback, Tsunoda insists that his relationship with Lawson remains untarnished. The two have a long history of racing together and continue to maintain a friendly rapport. Tsunoda was clear in his assertion that Red Bull’s decision was not based solely on racing performance or speed.
Speaking to Motorsport Week and other media outlets, Tsunoda said, “He (Lawson) gave his all and performed at 100%, just as I did. Ultimately, it was Red Bull’s decision, and I accept it without any hard feelings.”
Interestingly, Tsunoda got wind of Red Bull’s final decision just 30 minutes before the official announcement. He was given some insight into the choice, but performance, he insists, was not the predominant factor. Instead, it seemed to be about something more intangible, something relating to the overall mood or direction of the team.
Helmut Marko, a key figure in Red Bull, encouraged Tsunoda to embrace a leadership role as part of his professional development. This advice seems to have borne fruit, as Tsunoda currently demonstrates promising signs of leadership within the Racing Bulls team.
In fact, during the second practice session at the Australian Grand Prix, Tsunoda clocked the fourth fastest time, outperforming both Red Bull drivers. His rookie teammate, Isack Hadjar, also showed promise, finishing sixth fastest.
Commenting on the impressive start, Tsunoda said, “It’s a good beginning, but we must remain focused and continue enhancing our performance.”
Hadjar also acknowledged Tsunoda’s positive influence on the team, expressing his comfort and confidence after his first day of practice as a Grand Prix driver.
While Tsunoda’s dismissal from Red Bull may have been a surprise, his journey is far from over. His consistent performance, leadership potential, and resilience are testaments to his potential in the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing. As it stands, his contribution to the Racing Bulls team is already making a marked difference.
