Yuki Tsunoda insisted that he “definitely deserved” to drive in Formula 1 with Red Bull, but described being forgotten by the main team “usual story”.
Sergio Perez's continued struggles in the Red Bull Racing second seat this season has sparked intense rumors that he could lose his job alongside Max Verstappen.
But while Tsunoda was the one who outperformed Daniel Ricciardo throughout their time as teammates, Red Bull were not keen on the idea of pairing him with Verstappen.
Instead, Lawson was seen as the RB F1 driver who might be able to move up the ranks. And otherwise, the name of Franco Colapinto is already circulating in the corridors of Milton Keynes.
Tsunoda, who will drive the Red Bull RB20 in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi, said he had become accustomed to being ignored.
“Some stories have already happened when Daniel was my teammate. Liam came in and all of a sudden he's at the top of the list. So, to be honest, it's just the usual story in this team, or in the Red Bull family.”
When asked if he deserved a seat at Red Bull, Tsunoda replied: “Yes, 100%. I always say that. I definitely deserve this seat and I can't say more than that. It's really up to them.”
The Honda-backed driver, who has a contract with RB F1 for 2025, said he has given up getting upset over situations that are not in his control.
“There was a point where I probably started to get impatient, probably right before the summer break. But this thing, like I said, I recognize that I can't control it. And that's part of life.”
“I just have to keep doing what I'm doing. I'm the one still racing now and no matter who, I keep destroying my teammates. After Nyck de Vries, it was Daniel, so that's what I'm going to do .”
Doesn't he think that being too linked to Honda is what cost him this place in the top team?
“Honda has helped me since I was young and currently Honda and Red Bull are working together. I'm sure they're pushing but it's just the Red Bull thing, for some reason it doesn't work. I just stopped thinking about it and it’s just a pointless thing to think about.”
