As the remaining 10 races are set to unfold, it is Yuki Tsunoda’s future at Red Bull that is uncertain. The Japanese driver finds himself in a fierce internal battle to secure a spot driving alongside Max Verstappen in 2026.
A rocky 2025 campaign
Tsunoda’s promotion to Red Bull from junior team Racing Bull came just two races into the 24 race calendar. Replacing Liam Lawson, a former teammate a year prior, many had touted Tsunoda be given the seat in the first place.
However, it has been a similar story. Tsunoda has struggled every time he has jumped into the car each weekend. There have been brief flashes of potential but his campaign has been far from smooth. A streak of the last seven races where Tsunoda has not finished inside the points, dating back to Imola where he ended the race in P10.
Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, Tsunoda laid out his gameplan.
“”Score points, I think that’s the main thing. That’s it.”
“It’s been a while since I scored points but at the same time, in those moments I didn’t score points I also knew that I was [going] in the right direction and especially the last two races before the summer break after I got upgrades, I kind of proved to myself and proved to them that I’m still there.
“Its good that I’m able to show some performance there but at the same time obviously it’s a team, that’s why I need the points and what I need to do for the second half.”
The rising alternatives
The heat intensifies when considering the candidates eyeing Tsunoda’s seat. The most credible successor appears to be Isack Hadjar. The rookie has had a fantastic first half of the season despite a tough opening race. Finishing P6 around such a strenuous track as Monaco has certainly made the Frenchman one to watch.
Arvid Lindblad, though very young and still growing within Red Bull’s system, could be seen as an unlikely candidate. The 17-year-old is currently competing in F2 with Campos Racing. Along with two wins in the series, he sits 7th in the standings.
Meanwhile, Cadillac were rumoured to have spoken to Tsunoda about acquiring his signature for 2026 but ultimately went in another direction. There impressive announcement video featuring a different former Red Bull driver.
Tsunoda unfazed
Despite the uncertainty, Tsunoda remains determined. Now entering his fourth season in the sport, he is used to the speculation surrounding him.
“I think it’s the usual story in F1. This situation, those kinds of pressure is part of the world and part of, not sure you can say the beauty, but it is what it is.
“I just focus on myself. I got used to it with these kind of rumours in the last five years but I understand also at the same time, the second half [of the season] is really important for me as well, so I just keep pushing and put it all together.”
