Yuki Tsunoda’s Future at Red Bull in Jeopardy as Racing World Criticizes Team’s Decision
Critics are lashing out at Red Bull Racing’s decision to replace Sergio Perez with Yuki Tsunoda for the F1 2025 season, with FIA steward Derek Warwick branding Tsunoda’s performance as a “disaster” since taking over from Liam Lawson. The Racing Bulls team has been urged to take immediate action amidst speculations of another driver change.
Sergio Perez left Red Bull at the end of the last season, making way for Lawson to step up from the Racing Bulls team. However, Lawson’s stint as Verstappen’s teammate was short-lived, with poor performances leading to his demotion after qualifying last in China. Tsunoda then seized the opportunity to join Red Bull, initially showing promise but facing recent setbacks with two Q1 exits in the last three races.
With Red Bull’s partnership with Honda coming to an end this year, Tsunoda’s future with the team remains uncertain. Speculations have arisen regarding a potential mid-season driver change, with Isack Hadjar emerging as a standout performer at the Racing Bulls junior squad.
Warwick criticized Red Bull for parting ways with Perez, who played a significant role in the team’s consecutive Constructors’ title wins in 2022 and 2023. He emphasized the importance of supporting Tsunoda for the remainder of the season to quell uncertainties surrounding his position.
Meanwhile, Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer expressed reluctance to see Hadjar promoted to the senior team, highlighting the French-Algerian rookie’s impressive debut season. Bayer emphasized the need for Hadjar to gain more experience before considering a move to the senior ranks.
On another front, Perez has been linked with a potential return to Formula 1, with talks reportedly ongoing with Alpine and the new Cadillac F1 team for a seat in the F1 2026 season. However, no final decisions have been confirmed at this stage of the season.
As the racing world scrutinizes Red Bull’s driver decisions, the fate of Tsunoda, Hadjar, and Perez in the fast-paced world of Formula 1 hangs in the balance.
