Tsunoda Optimistic About F1 Future as Red Bull Reserve Driver in 2026
Yuki Tsunoda will become Red Bull's Reserve Driver in 2026, stepping out of a race seat but embracing the opportunity to learn from a new perspective. He is optimistic about his future in F1, drawing inspiration from drivers like Sergio Perez who successfully returned to the grid after a year on the sidelines. Tsunoda believes this role will allow him to gain invaluable insights into a top team's operations, especially with the 2026 technical regulation changes, positioning him for a potential comeback.
Yuki Tsunoda will not be racing in Formula 1 for the 2026 season, but the Japanese driver remains optimistic about his future, taking on the role of Red Bull's Reserve Driver. He expresses excitement about gaining a new perspective and learning from the sidelines, aiming to follow the path of drivers like Sergio Perez who returned to F1 after a year out.
Why it matters:
Tsunoda's move to a reserve role, while a temporary setback, could be a strategic opportunity. With the 2026 season bringing a major technical regulations overhaul, being embedded within a top team like Red Bull could offer invaluable insight and experience. This approach could position him for a strong return, especially as several experienced drivers might retire in the coming years, opening up competitive seats.
The Details:
- Replacement for 2026: Tsunoda will be replaced by Isack Hadjar at Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season.
- Optimistic Outlook: Despite not having a race seat, Tsunoda is enthusiastic about his new role, stating: "I'm excited to see from a different perspective, different eyes next year. First time in my career that I'm not racing. Maybe I can learn a lot of things that I never imagined about, so I'm excited for that."
- Inspiration from Peers: Drivers like Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and Valtteri Bottas have successfully returned to F1 after a season on the sidelines, providing a blueprint for Tsunoda's potential path.
- Both Albon and Perez were previously dropped from Red Bull before making successful comebacks.
- Learning Opportunity: As a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing, Tsunoda will have the chance to closely observe and learn from Max Verstappen and Hadjar, gaining knowledge from a championship-winning team with vast resources.
- Proven Pace: Tsunoda has demonstrated flashes of speed, notably out-qualifying Max Verstappen during sprint qualifying in Qatar and securing a best result of fourth at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The big picture:
The F1 grid will expand to 11 teams next season, and with veteran drivers like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton potentially nearing retirement, new opportunities are likely to emerge. Tsunoda's exposure to Red Bull's elite operations and the development of the 2026 cars could make him an attractive prospect for teams seeking experienced, top-tier knowledge, similar to how Albon and Sainz have brought value to their respective teams.
What's next:
While a year out from competitive racing presents challenges, especially with new technical regulations, Tsunoda's role as a Red Bull reserve could mitigate these risks. His involvement in the development of the next generation of F1 cars could significantly enhance his understanding and appeal. He aims to maintain peak performance, stating: "Try to also be in this shape as much as possible, whenever any opportunity comes, I'll smash it with that opportunity. Until then, keep my good shape and wait for it." If he leverages this time effectively, Tsunoda could make a strong return to the grid in 2027 or beyond.