Yuki Tsunoda has openly acknowledged that his performance since joining Red Bull’s main Formula 1 team in 2025 has been below expectations. Despite his promotion early in the season, Tsunoda admitted the team has not been impressed by his output. He was called up after just two races to replace Liam Lawson, who had a short-lived stint as Max Verstappen’s teammate following Sergio Perez’s departure. Red Bull’s ongoing struggle to find a consistent second driver has significantly impacted their campaign, with the majority of their points coming from Verstappen alone.
The team’s position in the constructors’ standings underscores this issue. Red Bull currently sits in fourth place with 172 points, 165 of which were scored by Verstappen, leaving only a small contribution from Tsunoda. The Japanese driver has had a rough stretch, including back-to-back last-place finishes at the Austrian and British Grands Prix. His performances have done little to ease concerns about the effectiveness of Red Bull’s second seat—a role that has historically proven difficult for many drivers.
Despite these setbacks, Tsunoda maintains that key figures within Red Bull, such as Helmut Marko and the recently departed Christian Horner, have continued to back him. He revealed that although Marko was critical of his race in Austria, he has remained supportive and encouraging. Tsunoda emphasized that Marko’s straightforward approach, while pressuring, often helps him push beyond his limits and extract stronger performances, something he has appreciated since his junior racing days.
In a major development, Red Bull recently parted ways with Christian Horner as team principal, adding more turbulence to an already unsettled environment. However, Tsunoda’s position does not seem to be in immediate jeopardy. With Laurent Mekies stepping into Horner’s role, Tsunoda may benefit from a familiar working relationship, as the two had previously collaborated during their time at Racing Bulls. This renewed partnership could potentially rejuvenate Tsunoda’s form and confidence.
Looking ahead, Tsunoda remains determined to prove that he deserves to stay in the Red Bull seat. He understands the high standards expected of him and is aware that his future with the team depends on his ability to consistently deliver better results. With Red Bull’s internal dynamics shifting and the pressure of competing alongside Verstappen mounting, the remainder of the 2025 season will be crucial for Tsunoda’s career trajectory.
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