Yuki Tsunoda has been dealt a devastating blow as he prepares for the grand finale of the Formula 1 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—his final race, at least for now. In a shocking announcement, Red Bull Racing has confirmed Tsunoda’s demotion to test and reserve driver for the upcoming 2026 season, a move that has sent ripples through the F1 community. But don’t count him out just yet—Tsunoda has issued a fiery proclamation declaring, “I’m not finished yet!”
The 23-year-old driver’s journey with Red Bull Racing has been a rollercoaster ride, coming to a head after a promising return to the spotlight at his home race, the Japanese Grand Prix. Red Bull’s decision to replace Liam Lawson with Tsunoda was a last-ditch effort to ignite their season. However, Tsunoda’s performance failed to outshine the formidable Max Verstappen, leading to the shocking news that Isack Hadjar will be taking his place in the senior team for 2026.
With the talented Arvid Lindblad also set to make his debut alongside Lawson at Racing Bulls, Tsunoda finds himself without a seat on the grid, a harsh reality that he has begun to accept. But rather than wallowing in disappointment, Tsunoda took to social media to express his determination to rise from this setback. “Finding out I won’t have a race seat in 2026 was incredibly tough, but I’m determined to work harder than ever with Red Bull as test and reserve driver to develop with the team, and prove I deserve a place on the grid,” he stated.
Tsunoda’s resilience shines through as he reflects on his journey, asserting, “Life’s full of setbacks, and this is mine. It’s not going to deter me from being the best F1 driver I can be.” His passionate message garnered support from fellow racer Jack Doohan, who empathized with Tsunoda’s plight and assured him, “You’ll be back brother.”
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has voiced his admiration for Tsunoda, emphasizing the driver’s growth over the years. “Yuki has raced in Red Bull colours for seven years now and I have had the pleasure of working with him at both Red Bull teams,” Mekies remarked. He praised Tsunoda’s maturity and exceptional skills, saying, “Through his five seasons so far in Formula 1, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday.” Mekies added, “Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki; his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family.”
As the curtain falls on the 2025 season, Tsunoda’s exit from the grid is a poignant moment for fans and teammates alike. Yet, his fierce determination to continue contributing as a test and reserve driver signals that this may not be the end of Tsunoda’s story in the high-octane world of Formula 1. As the racing community holds its breath, one thing is certain: Yuki Tsunoda is gearing up for a comeback, and this setback is just the beginning of his next chapter.
