Tsunoda Determined to Secure Red Bull Seat as 2026 Decision Looms
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Red Bull Racing has extended its timeline for a decision regarding Yuki Tsunoda’s future with the team, citing the Japanese driver’s recent performance improvements as a key factor. Tsunoda, currently battling to retain his seat for the 2026 Formula 1 season, emphatically stated, “I still want it,” underscoring his commitment to remaining with the Red Bull organization.
Originally published on November 1, 2025, this story details the ongoing deliberations surrounding Tsunoda’s position amidst speculation linking Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar to a potential Red Bull drive following a promising rookie campaign.
Red Bull Delays Driver Lineup Decision
Team Principal Laurent Mekies confirmed the decision regarding the 2026 driver lineup will be finalized before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. However, Mekies refrained from providing a specific date for the announcement, acknowledging Tsunoda’s recent upturn in form is influencing the evaluation process.
Despite finishing outside the points at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Tsunoda played a crucial strategic role in assisting teammate Max Verstappen to a podium finish. He executed a “maximum defence” strategy, effectively hindering the progress of Verstappen’s rivals. While this tactic compromised his own race performance, Mekies lauded it as Tsunoda’s “best weekend in a long time” due to his teamwork and qualifying pace.
Frustration and Focus on Controllable Factors
Tsunoda himself expressed disappointment with the race result, believing a points finish – potentially around P6 or P7 – was within reach. “Points were easily possible,” he told reporters after the race. “Probably around P6, P7, so we just threw away the points from the places which, well, I couldn’t control.”
He emphasized his frustration with factors outside his influence, stating, “But I think, to be honest, what I’ve done was pretty good. I’ve just lost the points with the area I can’t control. So, very frustrating.” Despite this, Tsunoda remains focused on maximizing his performance in areas within his control.
Maintaining Motivation and a Positive Outlook
The Red Bull driver acknowledged his uncertainty regarding the timing of the team’s decision. “I don’t know,” Tsunoda admitted. “I’m sure you guys don’t know when exactly they’re going to decide it, also I don’t know as well exactly.”
However, he remains optimistic and determined to demonstrate his value to the team. “But I think [in Mexico], I have confidence, I maximised the things I can control, the pace, everything at the start and the points today were easily, like I said, possible,” he explained. “So, hopefully they consider that, but also, let’s see. It’s up to them, but I’ll just keep pushing where I can control and that’s it.”
Tsunoda highlighted his consistent performance improvement in the second half of the season, believing he has consistently delivered strong results. “I’m always motivated,” he said. “In the second half of this season, I think at least I consistently showed something right. [Sunday] also could have ended up easily with a thing that I can’t bring it back home, quite nicely to the team.”
Ultimately, Tsunoda reiterated his desire to continue racing with Red Bull. “But I think this is my direction. I still want it, obviously.”
Additional reporting by Elizabeth Blackstock.
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