Yuki Tsunoda explains why he’s taking some credit for Isack Hadjar’s podium amid Red Bull seat battle

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Isack Hadjar’s first Formula 1 podium has considerably increased the pressure on Yuki Tsunoda. His case for a 2026 Red Bull seat just became much stronger.

Hadjar produced one of the biggest surprises of the season at the Dutch GP as he joined Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen in the top three. He was at the front on merit, too, qualifying fourth and holding the position before inheriting P3 following Lando Norris’ retirement.

Tsunoda ended an eight-race run without points as he finished ninth. But he lost more places in the championship, sinking to 19th.

Hadjar, meanwhile, has now climbed into the top 10. With Tsunoda’s contract expiring, it’s clear that he’s extremely vulnerable to his former teammate.

Yuki Tsunoda says his ‘feedback’ was key to Isack Hadjar’s success at Racing Bulls

Hadjar’s podium was the first for the Racing Bulls team since 2021, when Pierre Gasly placed third in the Azerbaijan GP. They were known as AlphaTauri at that time.

Tsunoda didn’t score a podium during his four full seasons at Faenza, though he did come close at the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP when he took fourth.

The Japanese driver feels he should be able to share in Hadjar’s achievement. His ‘feedback’ was instrumental in the development of the car.

• READ MORE: Best moments of Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 career including first points, greatest Grand Prix results and funniest team radio outbursts

Laurent Mekies has refused to confirm whether Tsunoda could return to Racing Bulls if he loses his seat. Liam Lawson followed this path earlier in 2025.

“Sometimes I think: what if I had been in that car?” Tsunoda told The Limburger. “In a way, it feels like my podium. I drove there for years.

“The car has become as good as it is now, partly thanks to my feedback. Hopefully, I can do the same at Red Bull and make the car better.”

Yuki Tsunoda’s honest answer on his future at Red Bull

Hadjar has now changed his mind about joining Red Bull after initially resisting the idea. His camp are said to be open to the move.

Before he left, Christian Horner indicated that Red Bull were planning to sign Hadjar. Tsunoda could find himself out of F1 altogether.

Arvid Lindblad, the Formula 2 prospect, is pushing for an F1 seat next year. Lawson’s future is still uncertain, but there may be three drivers battling for two spots at Racing Bulls.

“I don’t know if I’ll still be driving here next year,” Tsunoda said. “Ultimately, that’s not up to me.

“I can only do my best and make progress. Hopefully, that will ultimately be enough to drive alongside Verstappen in 2026 as well.”