Why Yuki Tsunoda must change his fortunes at the Singapore Grand Prix as Red Bull decision looms

Follow us on Google Discover

Yuki Tsunoda has doubled his points tally for the Formula 1 season across the last three races, including a Red Bull-best result.

The Japanese driver doesn’t have long to save his career, as his team mulls over who to put alongside Max Verstappen heading into the 2026 F1 regulations. On current form, it’s still hard to see Tsunoda finding a way to remain there in the future.

Red Bull have given him enough time to prove that he can contribute, but managing no higher than sixth at any race in 2025 has been disappointing. As Honda’s Formula 1 partnership with the Milton Keynes-based outfit comes to an end, the outlook looks bleak for their driver.

Tsunoda’s last chance has emerged, and it might involve him taking a bit more of a backseat for the time being. Red Bull have been told to axe Tsunoda by ex-Haas boss Guenther Steiner, who believes that a new direction is required for a new ruleset.

READ MORE: Yuki Tsunoda makes fan plea after what he’s ‘starting to understand’ at Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda must score points at the Singapore Grand Prix as Red Bull call looms

Team boss Laurent Mekies and Helmut Marko disagree on Tsunoda and what the best thing to do with him is at this time. He’s showing signs of steady improvement, closing the gap to Verstappen gradually, as he develops a deeper understanding of the RB21.

But the patience won’t last forever. By now, it was expected that he would have at least one podium, given that Verstappen has been able to win multiple races, and somehow still has a shot of winning the drivers’ championship with seven events to go.

With a reported Red Bull decision set to be made in Mexico, just two races away, it’s now or never for Tsunoda. He needs to make an impact at every opportunity, which includes scoring points whenever he can.

In three starts at the Singapore Grand Prix, he has retired twice and finished 12th. He desperately needs to change that trend if he wants to have any chance of being on the grid in the future. If he doesn’t score points, it could be over for him.

Tsunoda’s Honda ties could help him for 2026, but there’s no guarantee that money alone will be able to help him secure a seat. The talent is there, now he just needs to find a way to deliver two of the best races of his career.

READ MORE: Pierre Gasly reveals what he’s told Yuki Tsunoda to ‘figure out’ as Red Bull plight persists

Yuki Tsunoda must overcome one glaring Formula 1 statistic in 2025

Admittedly, having two races to turn the tide isn’t much time, but it isn’t impossible. Tsunoda’s sixth place in Baku proves that good results can be possible.

He achieved that without much attrition. With a bit of luck and a retirement here or there, he could score a big result.

Just once in his career has he finished in the top five after 104 race starts. That’s something which is going to need to change if he wants to remain on the grid.

Ralf Schumacher says Tsunoda will not be around in 2026, but if Red Bull doesn’t feel that Isack Hadjar is ready to be promoted yet, they might have no choice.