Yuki Tsunoda has already discovered his potential F1 saviour with Red Bull exit looking ‘certain’

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Yuki Tsunoda’s Formula 1 career is rather suddenly under threat. Just three months ago, he made the breakthrough he’d craved for so long by joining Red Bull.

But Tsunoda hasn’t performed well enough to justify an extension to his contract, which runs out at the end of the season. He’s only scored seven points in his first eight Grands Prix with the team.

As a result, it’s now being reported that Tsunoda is ‘certain’ to lose his seat for 2026, barring a dramatic turnaround. Racing Bulls standout Isack Hadjar will be the next who tries to survive alongside Max Verstappen.

With most of the grid under contract after last year’s reshuffle, Tsunoda’s options elsewhere are sparse. A move to Mercedes isn’t realistic, and there’s little prospect of a return to Racing Bulls – Liam Lawson is expected to partner Arvid Lindblad there next year.

There was talk in the paddock last year that Alpine were interested in Tsunoda. However, that particular rumour has gone quiet in 2025.

And while Tsunoda has been linked with Aston Martin, who are about to link up with his backers Honda, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are under contract. Only an A-list driver like Verstappen or George Russell would tempt the team to change their plans.

Yuki Tsunoda should join Cadillac for 2026 as Red Bull departure looms

It looks like Cadillac are Tsunoda’s only hope of staying in F1 for 2026. The American newcomers still have two seats available.

Valtteri Bottas is the favourite to get the first Cadillac drive, but the race for the second seat is still open. Sergio Perez, one of Tsunoda’s Red Bull predecessors, is among the drivers involved.

Cadillac have been linked with Felipe Drugovich, the Aston Martin reserve driver. But they would surely favour Tsunoda if he became available given that he’s now made 97 race starts and impressed as a midfield driver.

A report at the start of April claimed that Cadillac already admire Tsunoda. They were aware that the opportunity to sign him might crop up despite his move to Red Bull.

Indeed, one theory was that Tsunoda was bound for Cadillac before Lawson was dropped. Perhaps they could still end up being his saviour.

Nico Rosberg issues ‘horrible’ verdict on Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull

Christian Horner had doubts about promoting Tsunoda last year, and they now look justified. Unfortunately, Red Bull felt their hands were tied when Lawson looked completely unprepared.

Nico Rosberg feels for Tsunoda, who’s in a ‘horrible’ position at Red Bull. Like numerous other respected drivers before him, he can’t get ‘anywhere near’ Verstappen.

The 25-year-old has averaged just over a point per race in F1. Still waiting for his first podium, his best result is the fourth place he achieved at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP.