Yuki Tsunoda gets Red Bull test chance as Verstappen skips Suzuka

Yuki Tsunoda will get a valuable run in a current Red Bull Racing car during a Pirelli tyre test at Suzuka this week, stepping in for a frustrated Max Verstappen who is skipping the session. The test offers Tsunoda a rare opportunity to impress the senior team after being dropped from a 2026 seat, while Racing Bulls will field Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.

Why it matters:

For Tsunoda, this is more than just a routine test day. It represents a critical chance to directly showcase his development to Red Bull's top decision-makers in a competitive environment, potentially influencing his future within the Red Bull driver program. Verstappen's absence, driven by his vocal dissatisfaction with the current car's performance, highlights the reigning champion's ongoing struggles and mindset heading into a challenging phase of the season.

The details:

• The two-day Pirelli test at Suzuka focuses on dry tyre compounds for the 2025 season, with Red Bull Racing and sister team Racing Bulls participating.
• Verstappen's No-Show: Max Verstappen has opted out of the test, returning to Monaco after a disappointing Japanese GP where he finished eighth. His frustration with the RB20's performance under the current technical regulations is a well-documented subplot of the season.
• Tsunoda's Opportunity: This will be Tsunoda's first time driving a current-spec Red Bull Racing car at a circuit since he was sidelined as Verstappen's teammate after the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He previously drove a show car in a demonstration run in the United States.
• Racing Bulls Line-Up: The Faenza-based team will use the test to evaluate its junior drivers. Liam Lawson will drive on Tuesday, with British F2 contender Arvid Lindblad taking over on Wednesday.
• The participation of Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar in the test remains unconfirmed.

What's next:

The data and feedback from this test will be scrutinized by Red Bull's hierarchy. For Tsunoda, a strong, error-free performance could reignite conversations about his long-term future with the team. For Verstappen, the focus shifts to rebounding from a difficult weekend as the calendar moves to the next race, with his public criticism of the car's performance likely to keep pressure on the team for developments.