Yuki Tsunoda has issued a bold declaration after being snubbed for the coveted Red Bull Racing seat alongside Max Verstappen for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite outclassing teammate Liam Lawson in qualifying (6-0) and holding a strong race record, the Japanese star finds himself staying with AlphaTauri while Red Bull chose Lawson as their second driver.
Snubbed Despite Strong Performances
Tsunoda, 24, had been widely tipped as the fan-favorite to land the Red Bull seat, thanks to his consistent displays against a rotating cast of teammates, including Nyck de Vries, Daniel Ricciardo, and Lawson. Yet, Red Bull’s decision-making duo, Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, opted for Lawson, despite the Kiwi being swept in qualifying and lagging behind in race finishes.
Tsunoda expressed his frustration with the decision but is focused on proving his worth on the track.
“In 2024, even though I did well, I felt that I didn’t get the credit that other drivers were probably given,” Tsunoda told Autosport. “But that’s the way it was. I’ll just have to keep going strong on the track and prove them wrong.”
Admitting Early Struggles
Tsunoda’s debut season in 2021 was challenging. Paired with the experienced Pierre Gasly, the young Japanese driver struggled to match his teammate’s consistency. Gasly outperformed him across the board, including an emphatic 21-1 qualifying head-to-head and a significant 110-32 points gap.
Tsunoda acknowledges that his early struggles may have tarnished his image within Red Bull.
“I think it’s partly my fault, too,” Tsunoda admitted. “Because I didn’t immediately perform without difficulty in my first year in Formula 1. And that gave a bit of an image of who I am.”
His fiery personality on the radio—often laced with explicit outbursts—also drew criticism and raised concerns about his maturity.
“No More Excuses for Red Bull”
Tsunoda remains determined to prove that Red Bull made a mistake. He plans to use the 2025 season to force his way into their plans for the future.
“I just have to give them fewer excuses or reasons why they didn’t put me in that seat,” Tsunoda declared. “I will focus on what I can control and accept everything else. I’m sure I can do a better job than they think I can do.”
The Road Ahead
While disappointed, Tsunoda understands the importance of maintaining focus. With AlphaTauri’s rebranding to RB and new resources flowing in, he’s in a prime position to prove he can handle the pressure and deliver results.
The 2025 season will be a critical one for Tsunoda, as he looks to remind Red Bull—and the rest of Formula 1—that he has the talent, maturity, and determination to compete at the highest level.