Yuki Tsunoda has expressed his frustration over the “unclear” situation surrounding Red Bull’s Formula 1 driver lineup for 2025. As discussions intensify over whether to replace Sergio Perez, Tsunoda and fellow Red Bull-backed driver Liam Lawson are seen as contenders for the seat alongside Max Verstappen. However, Tsunoda admits that his prospects remain uncertain despite his superior F1 experience and strong performances compared to the younger Lawson.
Speaking to the media, including RacingNews365, Tsunoda acknowledged that the situation with Red Bull is murky. He emphasized that he cannot solely depend on the team for his future. “To be honest, it’s not really clear [on] what they want,” he admitted. With Red Bull’s indecision lingering, Tsunoda is keenly aware of the importance of exploring alternative options, especially as Honda, a key backer of his career, prepares to transition to Aston Martin in 2026.
“I can’t just keep relying on them,” Tsunoda explained, hinting at the political nature of F1. While he remains hopeful for a chance to step up, he knows that Red Bull’s plans hinge on various factors, including his own performance next season. “It depends on, I guess, what car I’m driving next year, and also how the season goes next year,” he added.
Despite the uncertainty, Tsunoda remains confident in his abilities, asserting that his performances this season justify consideration for a promotion. “What I’ve done this year, it’s quite clear that I should get a chance,” he said. However, he recognizes that F1 is as much about politics as it is about driving skill. While the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been labeled a critical race in the battle for Perez’s seat, Tsunoda believes every race throughout the year has been equally crucial in proving his worth.
When asked if his path to Red Bull’s main team feels obstructed, Tsunoda dismissed the notion, sharing a conversation with team boss Christian Horner. “He said, ‘I’ll keep an eye on you,'” Tsunoda revealed, indicating that he still holds hope. However, the Japanese driver remains pragmatic, understanding that Red Bull’s ultimate decisions are shrouded in internal deliberations.
