Yuki Tsunoda's Lone Regret at Red Bull Amidst Uncertain Future
Yuki Tsunoda admitted his only regret since joining Red Bull was the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix crash, believing it set him back. Despite this, he stands by his decision to join the team, feeling it made him stronger. His future remains uncertain, with Isack Hadjar rumored for his Red Bull seat, and Tsunoda potentially competing with Liam Lawson for a spot at Racing Bulls, as driver lineups for 2026 are still pending.
Yuki Tsunoda has revealed that his sole regret since joining Red Bull was his crash during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The Japanese driver joined the Milton Keynes outfit ahead of the third round of the 2025 season, replacing rookie Liam Lawson alongside Max Verstappen. Since then, Tsunoda has scored 25 points while grappling to extract the same performance as the Dutchman from the car.
Why it matters:
After a season of mixed performances, Tsunoda's reflection on his Imola crash highlights a critical moment that may have impacted his trajectory at Red Bull. With his future in F1 uncertain, this regret underscores the immense pressure and high stakes drivers face, where a single mistake can have significant consequences for their career prospects in a highly competitive sport.
The details:
- Speaking to the media ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Tsunoda was asked about any regrets since moving from Racing Bulls to Red Bull.
- He explicitly stated, "No, I don't have any regrets, but maybe the only thing I can say is Imola crash." He believes this incident set him back significantly.
- Despite this, Tsunoda affirmed his decision to join Red Bull, saying, "My decision to the Red Bull is happy. I'm still taking the same one, exactly the same. Yeah, I think that made me stronger."
- His future with Red Bull and in the championship remains uncertain, with rumors circulating about potential replacements.
- Successor Speculation: Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar is reportedly a frontrunner for Tsunoda's seat at Red Bull next year.
- Sister Team Shuffle: Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad has also been linked to a seat at Racing Bulls, potentially leaving Tsunoda and Lawson to vie for the remaining spot in the sister squad.
- Red Bull and Racing Bulls are the last teams yet to confirm their 2026 driver lineups, intensifying the competition for available seats.
What's next:
The remaining two rounds of the 2025 season, starting with the Qatar Grand Prix and concluding in Abu Dhabi, will be crucial for Tsunoda. His performance in these final races could influence Red Bull's ultimate decision regarding his future. Should he be left without a seat, he would likely be seeking a reserve driver role or exploring opportunities in other racing series.