Tsunoda 'Nervous' as Red Bull F1 Decision Looms for 2026 Season
Yuki Tsunoda admits to being 'nervous' as Red Bull's 2026 F1 driver lineup decision looms. He, Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and Arvid Lindblad are competing for three Red Bull-controlled seats alongside Max Verstappen. While Hadjar is tipped for promotion to the senior team, Tsunoda faces a potential demotion or even an F1 exit, despite recent strong finishes. He emphasizes focusing on performance, acknowledging the familiar pressure of his situation.
Yuki Tsunoda admits to feeling 'nervous' as Red Bull inches closer to making its final driver lineup decisions for the 2026 Formula 1 season. With an uncertain future, Tsunoda faces the possibility of staying with Red Bull, returning to Racing Bulls, or even exiting F1 altogether, as the team weighs its options for its non-Max Verstappen seats.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's driver decisions have significant implications for several young talents within their extensive program. For Tsunoda, a long-standing Red Bull junior, this decision is pivotal for his F1 career, directly impacting his trajectory and the careers of his fellow Red Bull-backed drivers.
The details:
- The Contenders: Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and F2 protege Arvid Lindblad are all vying for three Red Bull-controlled seats alongside Max Verstappen for 2026. One of these four drivers is expected to miss out.
- Tsunoda's Stance: Tsunoda confessed to media, including RacingNews365, that he "would be lying" if he claimed not to be nervous. He acknowledged this is a familiar situation, having faced similar uncertainties in previous years.
- Performance vs. Decision: Tsunoda emphasized his focus on maximizing his performance in the remaining races, as he cannot control Red Bull's ultimate decision. He believes his strength lies in his ability to compartmentalize and forget the pressure once he's away from the track.
- Potential Outcome: Isack Hadjar is widely anticipated to be promoted to partner Verstappen, which would likely mean Tsunoda's demotion back to the junior team. This follows Tsunoda's recent replacement of Liam Lawson ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
- Season Performance: Despite a challenging season, Tsunoda has shown flashes of potential, with a season-best sixth in Azerbaijan and a seventh-place finish in the United States. However, he currently sits 17th in the drivers' championship, trailing both Lawson and Hadjar.
What's next:
With only a few races remaining in the current season, Tsunoda's performance in the upcoming events, including the Las Vegas Grand Prix, will be crucial. While he's no stranger to high-stakes situations, the ultimate decision rests with Red Bull's management. The outcome will shape not just Tsunoda's future, but the entire Red Bull driver hierarchy for the 2026 season and beyond.