Tsunoda Eyes Swift F1 Return Despite Red Bull Reserve Driver Role
After losing his 2026 Red Bull race seat to Isack Hadjar, Yuki Tsunoda is set to become the team's reserve driver, but he's already hinting at a swift return to the F1 grid.
Yuki Tsunoda is set to become Red Bull Racing's reserve driver for the 2026 season after losing his full-time race seat to Isack Hadjar. However, the Japanese driver is already framing the role not as an endpoint, but as a strategic platform for a swift return to the grid. He has hinted that his 2026 activities may extend far beyond simulator work, keeping his F1 ambitions very much alive.
Why it matters:
This move highlights the high-stakes, fluid nature of Red Bull's driver strategy and the intense pressure within its junior program. For Tsunoda, it's a critical juncture; leveraging a reserve role back into a competitive seat is a difficult path, but his public optimism and private hints suggest a calculated plan. His situation also adds a layer of intrigue to the 2026 driver market, as he now stands as a ready-and-waiting option should any opportunity arise on the grid.
The details:
- The Official Move: Tsunoda was officially promoted to the senior Red Bull team but will serve as reserve driver in 2026, with rookie Isack Hadjar taking the second seat alongside Max Verstappen.
- Public Face: On social media, Tsunoda put on a brave face, stating he is 'looking forward to the opportunity to grow in a new role.'
- The Real Ambition: In a more revealing interview with DAZN Japan, Tsunoda suggested his role won't be limited to reserve duties. 'There’s a chance that my next year won’t be limited to simulator and reserve driver work. I’ve heard about a few possible scenarios,' he said.
- A Precedent for Return: The 2026 grid will already feature two drivers, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, returning to full-time seats after a year away, demonstrating that a comeback is a realistic possibility.
What's next:
Tsunoda's immediate focus will be on maximizing his value as a reserve driver in 2025 and preparing for his 2026 duties. His primary goal will be to remain race-ready and impress team leadership, positioning himself as the first call-up if a seat becomes available. While his future is uncertain, his proactive stance indicates he views this as a pit stop, not retirement, and he'll be pushing hard to get back on track as quickly as possible.