Yuki Tsunoda Moves to Red Bull Test Driver Role for F1 2026

Yuki Tsunoda will not be racing in Formula 1 in 2026, as his tenure as a Red Bull Racing driver concludes at the end of the F1 2025 season. The Japanese driver will transition into a test and reserve driver role for Red Bull in 2026, marking a significant shift in his career within the Red Bull family.

Why it matters:

After making his F1 debut in 2021, Tsunoda has been a consistent presence on the grid, often showcasing flashes of speed. His move to a reserve role indicates Red Bull's long-term strategy to nurture new talent, with Isack Hadjar joining Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing and Arvid Lindblad partnering Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. This shakeup highlights the intense competition within Red Bull's driver development program and the constant pressure on young drivers to perform.

The Details:

• Driver Lineup Changes: Isack Hadjar has been confirmed to race alongside Max Verstappen for the 2026 season at Red Bull Racing. At Racing Bulls, Arvid Lindblad is set to join Liam Lawson.
• Tsunoda's New Role: While Tsunoda will no longer have a full-time F1 race seat, he will remain with Red Bull as their official test and reserve driver for F1 2026. This role is crucial for car development and provides an opportunity to stay connected to the sport.
• Performance Review: Tsunoda made his F1 debut with AlphaTauri in 2021 and had a breakout season in 2022 alongside Pierre Gasly. He later competed against Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo, but despite improved showings in recent races, his overall contribution was deemed underwhelming compared to the emerging talents within the Red Bull academy.
• Recent History: Tsunoda was initially overlooked for Liam Lawson when Red Bull sought a replacement for Sergio Perez at the end of F1 2024. However, after Lawson's struggles early in the year, Tsunoda was brought back in from the Japanese Grand Prix. Despite some strong moments, like his performance in the Qatar Sprint, he couldn't consistently match Verstappen.

What's next:

Yuki Tsunoda's transition to a test and reserve driver position mirrors a path previously taken by drivers like Alex Albon, who later returned to a full-time F1 seat. This role allows him to contribute to car development and stay sharp, potentially opening doors for a future return to the grid if opportunities arise or if Red Bull's new crop of drivers doesn't pan out as expected. His experience will be invaluable in the development of Red Bull's 2026 car.