Yuki Tsunoda could now repeat 2024 Sergio Perez failure that cost Red Bull staff thousands

Follow us on Google Discover

Red Bull Racing driver Yuki Tsunoda is feeling the pressure of being Max Verstappen’s teammate.

Plenty of very good drivers have been and gone since Max Verstappen made his Red Bull debut in 2016.

Daniel Ricciardo’s move to Renault was the beginning of the end of his time in Formula 1, although he always measured up very well against Verstappen.

Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and briefly Liam Lawson were all brought in to try to match Verstappen, only to be moved on.

Perez survived four seasons at Red Bull off the back of an incredibly impressive season at Racing Point, and won five races during his time with the team.

However, the 2024 campaign highlighted that it was Perez’s time to go, and he’ll be hoping to revive his Formula 1 career with Cadillac next season.

Verstappen supported Perez’s return to F1, highlighting the respect between the two drivers, but the pressure is now on Yuki Tsunoda to step up after a worrying 2025 season.

The Japanese driver is still yet to reach double figures since his move to Red Bull, and only Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto are below him in the drivers’ championship.

Now, there’s a risk that Tsunoda is going to upset Red Bull staff in the same way Perez did last season.

Yuki Tsunoda’s performances could cost Red Bull staff thousands in end-of-season bonuses

A report from F1 Insider has shared more details about Tsunoda’s struggles.

Red Bull currently sit fourth in the constructors’ championship, and are at no risk of being caught by Williams behind them.

However, Mercedes are 21 points ahead of Red Bull, and Ferrari are a further 20 points better off with eight race weekends remaining.

The most important fact is that Verstappen has scored 230 of Red Bull’s 239 points this season.

It’s well known that teams base their staff bonuses on their position in the constructors’ championship, with F1 Insider suggesting that ‘millions in prize money’ is at stake based on where Red Bull finish this season.

Funding is not an issue for a team of Red Bull’s size, but staff will miss out on thousands each, as long as their bonuses are in line with what Ferrari staff earn for their position in the championship.

It’s believed Red Bull staff were upset with Christian Horner for offering Perez a new contract, because they knew his underperformance was going to affect their final paycheck.

Tsunoda has the opportunity to turn things around, but time is running out before a decision needs to be made on whether he will earn a new contract.

Timo Glock critical of Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda after the Italian Grand Prix

The Italian Grand Prix should have been the perfect chance for Tsunoda to add to the nine points he’s scored since joining Red Bull.

Tsunoda was furious with Liam Lawson after they clashed during the race, and ultimately, his loss of performance saw him drop out of the top 10.

Speaking on Sky Germany after the race, former driver Timo Glock shared his frustration with Tsunoda.

He said: “Yuki Tsunoda was sent home with a slap in the face. Verstappen almost lapped him. Nothing worked, and that’s not a good impression to leave.”

“He should have scored points with this Red Bull, and he didn’t manage to do that.

“So where’s the risk [in swapping drivers]? You could put someone else in.

“Who wants to take his place? Hadjar is likely to say that he’s staying where he is.”

Isack Hadjar is the frontrunner to replace Tsunoda, and recovered from starting in the pit lane to score a point in Monza.

It’s a bad look for Tsunoda, and while he appears to have the full support of the team, he’ll be aware that the burden of scoring enough points to make a difference in the constructors’ championship is weighing on him.