Tsunoda Vows to Fight Back for 2026 F1 Grid Return After Red Bull Exit

Yuki Tsunoda isn't going quietly. After Red Bull confirmed he would lose his race seat for 2026, the Japanese driver has pledged to fight his way back onto the Formula 1 grid – insisting his setback will only fuel him to push “harder than ever”.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's decision to drop Yuki Tsunoda for the 2026 season marks a significant shift in their driver development strategy, opening doors for new talent while placing Tsunoda in a challenging, yet determined, new role. This move underscores the high-stakes nature of F1, where even promising drivers face tough competition to retain a seat.

The Details:

• Seat Loss: Red Bull announced Isack Hadjar's promotion to the senior team for 2026, with Arvid Lindblad, 18, taking Hadjar's place at Racing Bulls, effectively ending Tsunoda's five-year run as an F1 race driver.
• New Role: With all 2026 race seats confirmed, Tsunoda is slated to spend next season in a test and reserve role with both the Milton Keynes and Faenza-based teams.
• Tsunoda's Response: Admitting the news was “incredibly tough,” Tsunoda posted on social media, "I’m determined to work harder than ever with Red Bull as test and reserve driver to develop with the team, and prove I deserve a place on the grid."
  • He emphasized, "Life’s full of setbacks, and this is mine. It’s not going to deter me from being the best F1 driver I can be."
• On-Track Performance: Despite flashes of pace, Tsunoda struggled to build momentum this season. Since replacing Sergio Pérez ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, he scored only 30 points, while teammate Max Verstappen contended for the title.
• Challenges: His raw speed was evident, qualifying close to Verstappen multiple times in the RB21, but mistakes and misfortune, including a heavy qualifying crash at Imola, hampered his progress and confidence.

Between the lines:

While Tsunoda's raw talent has never been fully questioned, his consistency and ability to convert pace into points have been areas of concern. This setback, though personal, is a testament to Red Bull's ruthless approach to driver development, prioritizing consistent high performance and a clear path for their junior talent. Laurent Mekies' praise for Tsunoda's growth, even amidst his departure, hints at the respect he's earned within the team despite the ultimate decision.

What's next:

Tsunoda's transition into a development role with Red Bull will be crucial for the 2026 projects, especially with new regulations coming into play. His experience and feedback will be invaluable for the team's preparations. For Tsunoda personally, this period will be a test of his resolve and a chance to refine his skills away from immediate race pressure, with the explicit goal of reclaiming a spot on the F1 grid in the future. His defiant message suggests he views this not as an end, but as a temporary detour on his F1 journey.