Tsunoda 'Doesn't Know What's Going On' Amid Red Bull Exit at Abu Dhabi GP

Yuki Tsunoda admitted to an unexpectedly challenging opening day at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, expressing confusion over his car's performance after Red Bull announced his departure for the 2026 F1 season. His struggles in practice further highlight a difficult period for the driver.

Why it matters:

After Red Bull confirmed Isack Hadjar as Max Verstappen's teammate for 2026, effectively demoting Tsunoda to a test-and-reserve role, his on-track performance is under immense scrutiny. His current struggles at the season finale raise questions about his immediate future and how he will navigate this transition period.

The details:

• Tsunoda finished 17th in FP2 at Yas Marina, nearly a second slower than teammate Max Verstappen.
• He described the gap as "one of the worst in the season" and admitted he "didn't feel much comfortable" in the RB21, citing constant sliding.
• Demotion Confirmed: Red Bull announced earlier this week that Tsunoda would not have a race seat for the 2026 F1 season, with Isack Hadjar replacing him. Rookie Arvid Lindblad will partner Liam Lawson at the Racing Bulls sister team, effectively pushing Tsunoda into a reserve driver role.
• Contractual Limitations: Tsunoda revealed that his contract restricted him from engaging in significant talks with other teams, despite external interest, as his priority remained with the Red Bull family where he "grew up."
• Honda Partnership End: The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix also marks the end of Red Bull's successful partnership with Honda, Tsunoda's long-term backer. Red Bull will produce its own engines from 2026 in collaboration with Ford, while Honda will partner with Aston Martin.

What's next:

Tsunoda's final race weekend with Red Bull's senior team, coupled with his current performance issues, will be closely watched. While he expressed disappointment over his demotion, he noted the reality hadn't fully sunk in. Resolving the car's issues and delivering a strong performance in qualifying and the race will be crucial for his morale and potentially for attracting future opportunities, even from outside the Red Bull family, as he prepares for a significant change in his F1 career path.