Yuki Tsunoda’s career trajectory in Formula 1 has been a rollercoaster. The Japanese driver, once considered a rising star in Red Bull’s development program, has now openly admitted that his faltering rookie season may have contributed to his current status as an outsider for a top seat at Red Bull. Despite progressing over four seasons with AlphaTauri—now Racing Bulls—Tsunoda was overlooked for Red Bull Racing’s vacant 2025 role, with Liam Lawson earning the promotion instead.
Tsunoda’s Frank Reflection
Tsunoda has been vocal about the perception challenges stemming from his rookie year in 2021, where he struggled to match teammate Pierre Gasly and made headlines for erratic performances and outbursts on the radio. Speaking to Motorsport.comhe acknowledged how his debut left a lasting impression:
“I think part of that is a little bit my fault because I didn’t really perform well in the first year. It creates a bit of an image of who I am.”
Even with a much improved 2024 campaign, Tsunoda feels his efforts have not been fully recognized:
“Although I was performing well, I feel like I didn’t really get the credit as much as probably other drivers. But that’s how it is.”
The Lawson Factor
The decision to promote Lawson over Tsunoda sparked debate among fans and pundits. Although Tsunoda outperformed Lawson during their six-race spell as teammates—finishing ahead in four of those races—the New Zealand star continued to shine, with notable performances and a growing reputation for his adaptability under pressure.
However, Tsunoda remains determined:
“I’m just trying to give them less excuses or reasons why I’m not in the seat. I’m sure I can do a better job than they think.”
The Legacy of the Racing Bulls
Tsunoda’s time with the Racing Bulls has been a mix of success. Although he has shown flashes of brilliance and consistently outperformed a revolving door of teammates—Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo among them—his failure to deliver a breakout season appears to have kept him off Red Bull’s radar .
Despite this rejection, Tsunoda is set to lead the Racing Bulls in 2025 alongside Isack Hadjar, a promising rookie who nearly won the Formula 2 championship. Tsunoda will be tasked with mentoring Hadjar while proving to Red Bull that They may have underestimated its potential.
Red Bull’s Calculated Movement
Red Bull Racing’s decision to promote Lawson over Tsunoda reflects the team’s ruthless pragmatism. Lawson’s performance in high-pressure situations and his perceived ceiling as a potential championship contender likely tipped the scales. Red Bull’s preference for bold, standout talents—like Max Verstappen and, earlier, Daniel Ricciardo—might have worked against Tsunoda, who has been consistent but rarely electrifying.
Tsunoda’s path to the future
For Tsunoda, 2025 represents a critical turning point. If he can dominate his new teammate and have a stellar season, he could keep his F1 future alive and possibly reignite Red Bull’s interest. However, with emerging talents like Hadjar and other Red Bull juniors in the pipeline, the competition for even a seat at Racing Bulls is fierce.
“I just keep doing what I do and performing well to prove them wrong,” Tsunoda said, signaling his determination to stay in the race.
Conclusion: A Pilot in Waiting
Red Bull’s rejection of Yuki Tsunoda underscores the unforgiving nature of Formula 1. While his initial struggles may have created a lasting “image problem,” his undeniable growth and resilience make him a driver still worthy of recognition. be followed. Whether he will turn his move to Racing Bulls into another chance at a top team remains unclear, but one thing is clear: Tsunoda is far from done proving his worth.
