Tsunoda Promises to 'Smash It' in New Red Bull Reserve Role

After losing his full-time race seat for 2026, Yuki Tsunoda is transitioning to a reserve driver role at Red Bull. The Japanese driver, who struggled for form alongside Max Verstappen this past season, vows to "smash" any opportunity to race if called upon. Rather than viewing it as a setback, Tsunoda expressed excitement about learning Formula 1 from a new, behind-the-scenes perspective.

Why it matters:

This move is a critical pivot point for Tsunoda's career after a difficult campaign, offering him a chance to prove his value to Red Bull from the sidelines. For the team, it provides a safety net with an experienced and familiar driver ready to step in for their championship contenders, Verstappen and rookie Isack Hadjar, under the new 2026 regulations.

The details:

• Tsunoda was officially replaced by Formula 2 graduate Isack Hadjar, who impressed during his rookie season, ahead of the Abu Dhabi finale.
• He sees the reserve role as a unique learning opportunity, hoping to gain insights by observing team communications and driver feedback from a vantage point he's never experienced.
  • This includes understanding engineering feedback loops and race strategy development in real-time, knowledge he believes he never could have accessed as a full-time driver.
• The 25-year-old emphasized he will maintain his physical fitness and racing readiness, stating he will "smash it" if a race opportunity arises unexpectedly.

What's next:

Tsunoda's immediate F1 future hinges on his ability to contribute effectively in this reserve role. His performance and attitude throughout the year will be crucial for his hopes of securing a full-time drive in 2027 or beyond. While the path back to a full-time seat is uncertain, his proactive stance suggests he's treating this not as a demotion, but as a strategic pit stop to relaunch his career.