Mekies Frames Tsunoda's Red Bull Demotion as a 'Difficult' Decision
Red Bull is replacing Yuki Tsunoda with Isack Hadjar for 2026. Team boss Laurent Mekies called the move 'very difficult,' but Tsunoda's performance in a race-winning car suggests the decision was a clear-cut one based on results.
Red Bull has officially ended Yuki Tsunoda's stint in the senior team, promoting junior driver Isack Hadjar to the second seat for 2026. Team principal Laurent Mekies has publicly characterized the move as a 'very difficult' decision, emphasizing the team's support for the Japanese driver despite his underwhelming results in a race-winning car.
Why it matters:
This decision underscores Red Bull's ruthless 'results-or-else' philosophy, even for drivers within its own program. For Tsunoda, it's a major career setback after a brief opportunity, while for Hadjar, it's a massive leap into the spotlight. The move also signals Red Bull's confidence in its next generation of talent and its commitment to maximizing every championship point.
The details:
- Mekies' Narrative: The team principal painted the decision as an emotional one, stating, "It has been a very difficult decision to take... we have tried everything we could to support Yuki." He positioned Tsunoda's new reserve driver role as a temporary setback, not a final verdict, insisting, "I am confident that he has a lot in him that will allow him to have another opportunity."
- The Performance Reality: The on-track data tells a simpler story. Tsunoda finished 17th in the Drivers' Championship in a car that won eight races with Max Verstappen. His best result was a single P6 finish in Baku, a performance level that typically doesn't warrant retaining a seat in a top team.
- The New Lineup: Isack Hadjar, a highly regarded prospect from the Red Bull junior program, will step into the competitive but challenging second seat. Tsunoda will serve as the team's reserve driver for 2025, waiting in the wings.
What's next:
Mekies left the door ajar for Tsunoda, referencing Red Bull's history of rapid driver changes and suggesting that a future opportunity could arise. The pressure now falls on Hadjar to prove he can handle the demands of a top-tier car and contribute to the team's constructors' championship ambitions. For Tsunoda, his immediate F1 future depends on making the most of his reserve role and staying ready for any potential opening.