Japanese Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda has broken his silence on being dropped from the Red Bull Racing team for the 2026 season, stating he has "no regrets" about his move to the senior squad despite the impending demotion. The 25-year-old will transition to a test and reserve driver role next year, making way for promising Franco-Algerian rookie Isack Hadjar.
A Bittersweet Farewell to the Race Seat
Speaking to reporters at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi ahead of the season finale, Tsunoda admitted to feeling "disappointed" but emphasized he was "okay" with the team's decision. He revealed his routine-focused mindset, noting that the reality of his last race for Red Bull in the foreseeable future hadn't fully sunk in. "The day after I ordered breakfast as usual, same food, yeah, probably I'm not recognising enough that it will be the last race at least for next year," Tsunoda said. He anticipates the emotions will hit harder after the final chequered flag of the season falls.
Tsunoda's 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. He began the year driving for Red Bull's sister team, Racing Bulls, but was promoted to the main Red Bull squad just two races into the championship, replacing the underperforming Liam Lawson. However, partnering with the dominant four-time world champion Max Verstappen proved a monumental challenge. The performance gap has been stark: while Verstappen has amassed 396 points and seven wins, Tsunoda has managed only 33 points—a mere three more than his total from the previous season.
The 'Poisoned Chalice' and Honda's Departure
The second seat at Red Bull has earned a notorious reputation as a 'poisoned chalice' for being so difficult to thrive in alongside Verstappen. Hadjar, who has impressed in his debut F1 season with Racing Bulls, will become the Dutchman's fourth different teammate since the end of the 2024 season.
Adding another layer to Tsunoda's situation is the impending departure of his long-time backer, Honda. The Japanese power unit manufacturer, which supplies engines to both Red Bull and Racing Bulls, will end its partnership with the Red Bull family after this season to join forces with Aston Martin in 2026. This shift undoubtedly influenced the team's driver lineup decisions.
When reflecting on his season, Tsunoda pinpointed his main source of regret. "If I had any regrets, they were centred on not being able to make the most of the Racing Bulls car," he confessed, highlighting that the sister team's car, which he helped develop, is considered far more forgiving than the demanding Red Bull. Despite the tough stint and subsequent demotion, he stands by his decision to accept the promotion. "But at the same time I don't regret much that decision…," he affirmed regarding his mid-season move to the senior team.
Hadjar Steps Into the Spotlight with Confidence
Isack Hadjar, the young driver tasked with filling Tsunoda's shoes, appears undaunted by the challenge ahead. He enters the 2026 season, which will also introduce radical new technical regulations, with a focus on adaptation. "We're going to get the car we have, I have to adapt to that car, and Max will have to do the same job," Hadjar stated, downplaying the pressure of direct comparison.
Citing his experience in junior formulae with different cars each year, Hadjar expressed confidence in his ability to adjust. "I've never repeated every year. I've always competed in different cars… So I think I'm pretty decent at adapting, so I'm actually confident," he added. His vacated seat at Racing Bulls will be taken by rookie Arvid Lindblad, continuing the team's cycle of nurturing young talent.
As the 2025 season concludes, the Red Bull driver lineup for 2026 is set, marking the end of Yuki Tsunoda's brief but eventful chapter as a race driver for the championship-winning team. His journey now continues from the sidelines, in a role pivotal for developing the next generation of Red Bull challengers.
