Tsunoda 'Disappointed and Pissed Off' After Red Bull Axing

Yuki Tsunoda expressed his disappointment and anger following Red Bull's decision to drop him from their driver lineup, a move that sacrifices his position for Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad, and Isack Hadjar's promotions. Tsunoda revealed he was informed of the news privately by Helmut Marko right after the Qatar Grand Prix, leaving him without other options due to his contract."Obviously I'm disappointed and pissed off," Yuki Tsunoda told GPblog, detailing his reaction to the news. He was the sole driver dropped in Red Bull's latest shuffle, which confirmed Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, Arvid Lindblad's F2 debut, and Isack Hadjar's promotion within the Red Bull family.

Why it matters:

• This driver shake-up underscores Red Bull's ruthless approach to talent management, prioritizing their junior program's progression over established drivers who don't meet their stringent expectations.
• Tsunoda's exit leaves a significant question mark over his future in Formula 1, highlighting the precarious nature of a driver's career, even within a major academy.
• The promotions of Lawson, Lindblad, and Hadjar signal a clear generational shift, showcasing Red Bull's ongoing commitment to cultivating new talent for both their senior and junior teams.

The Details:

• Tsunoda stated he was informed by Helmut Marko immediately after the Qatar Grand Prix that he would not be racing next year. Despite his initial reaction of disappointment, he reported feeling "okay" the day after, suggesting a degree of numbness or delayed realization.
• Contractual Constraints: Tsunoda explained that his existing contract with Red Bull prevented him from exploring opportunities with other teams, despite receiving "a couple of interests externally."
  • This highlights a common challenge for young drivers tied to major academies, where their careers are largely dictated by the parent company's strategy.
• Focus on Red Bull: Tsunoda emphasized that his priority for the past few years was the "Red Bull family" because it was "the place I grew up."
• Hadjar's Promotion: Separately, Isack Hadjar confirmed his promotion to the senior Red Bull team for the 2026 season, where he will be Max Verstappen's teammate.

What's next:

• Tsunoda anticipates that the full weight of his departure may hit him after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking potentially his last race in Formula 1 for the foreseeable future.
• The newly announced lineups will bring fresh dynamics to both the Red Bull and Racing Bulls teams, with young talents eager to prove their worth.
• The F1 paddock will be closely watching how Hadjar performs alongside a reigning world champion like Verstappen, a crucial test for the young driver's career.