Max Verstappen offers his first reaction to Yuki Tsunoda losing Red Bull seat for 2026

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Yuki Tsunoda will partner Max Verstappen for the final time at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend. Red Bull announced this week that Isack Hadjar would be replacing him for 2026.

Tsunoda’s tenure lasted just under a full season after the swap with Liam Lawson at round three. In terms of points, Verstappen’s advantage over his teammate is larger than ever.

The reigning world champion enters the Abu Dhabi GP with a chance of retaining his title. Meanwhile, Tsunoda would require a second-place finish – decidedly unlikely based on form – to even crack the top 10 in the championship.

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The Japanese driver, who trails the overall head-to-head 48-2, currently sits in 15th place. Rather than returning to Racing Bulls, he’s lost his F1 seat altogether and will have to be content with a reserve role.

Max Verstappen says Isack Hadjar is a ‘logical choice’ for Red Bull

While many of the questions put to Verstappen on Thursday concerned the title fight, he was also asked about this week’s driver reshuffle at Red Bull.

Verstappen’s camp have previously opposed line-up changes on the basis that the team should focus on improving their car instead. But he can’t be too critical of the RB21 given that he’s won seven races this year.

Still, Verstappen appeared reluctant to address the decision made by Laurent Mekies and Yuki Tsunoda. He would only say that promoting Hadjar was a ‘logical choice’.

The Frenchman has produced one of the finest rookie seasons from a Red Bull junior, capped by a maiden podium at Zandvoort in August.

“That choice has been made, and of course it wasn’t just made on that Tuesday,” Verstappen said, via RacingNews365 NL. “It’s also the team’s choice, what can I say about that?

“I haven’t noticed anyone reacting differently now or anything like that. And ultimately, you always have to be there for the team. That doesn’t change anything.”

“I think it’s a logical choice. There’s not much you can really say about that.”

The F1 team who may be favourites to sign Yuki Tsunoda in 2027

Despite rumours to the contrary, Tsunoda won’t be moving to IndyCar for 2026. He will look to emulate Red Bull predecessors Alex Albon and Sergio Perez by finding his way back onto the grid after a year away.

Haas are admirers of Tsunoda, and their ever-strengthening partnership with Toyota creates an obvious Japanese link. The driver is still tied to Honda for now.

Honda are supplying Aston Martin’s engines from next year, but up to this point, that has not made Tsunoda a contender for a seat with the Silverstone outfit.

Tsunoda could not hide his frustration when addressing his exit, but his solid record in the midfield suggests Sunday’s race at Yas Marina may not be his last in F1.