Yuki Tsunoda shares what Red Bull have told him about returning to F1 after losing his seat

Follow us on Google Discover

Yuki Tsunoda has revealed his ‘hunger’ to return as a Formula 1 driver after losing his Red Bull seat.

After being promoted to Red Bull for the 2025 season, Yuki Tsunoda was expected to become a success in Formula 1 alongside Max Verstappen.

However, things did not go this way, as he only scored points in seven Grands Prix during his time in the Red Bull Racing squad, and ended the year in 17th place in the championship standings.

After his 22 Grands Prix with Red Bull, Tsunoda lost his seat at Red Bull for the 2026 season, and found himself without a drive for this season and is now on the sidelines.

Where did you expect Yuki Tsunoda to finish when he joined Red Bull?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

In an interview with Formula 1, Tsunoda revealed his thoughts after being sidelined for the 2026 season after being a Red Bull Racing driver during the 2025 season.

The Japanese driver is determined to make his return to Formula 1 after becoming a test and reserve driver at Red Bull and Racing Bulls for 2026.

Tsunoda said, “I actually still prepared for the season quite a lot physically. Now is probably the best shape I’ve been in in my life. I think physically, in terms of numbers, it’s even better than last year. I’m definitely happy with my shape, and I just need some laps for my muscles to get used to driving again.

“Sometimes I feel a little bit weird doing this kind of preparation and training, knowing that I’m not racing. But anything can happen. That’s what I also got told by the team. I’ve prepared as much as possible, I’m in the best shape, and my mental [approach] is always, ‘Okay, if the team asks me to jump in, make sure I perform’, and that’s it – just being ready.”

He added, “I’m not giving up on driving in F1. Rather than going to other series and racing… That’s also partly good, because you’ll be sharp, but at the same time, you don’t know what’s going on in F1 very much.

“It was pretty tough to watch, actually, the race week in Australia. Watching from the screen was definitely something… different. I was okay at the Bahrain test, but race week was a different story, and it was really tough. At the same time, I was able to recognise how much I care about this sport, and how hungry I am to get back in a seat.

“But I’m not thinking too much about the future, because it’s not in my control. It’s more always thinking about how I can extract the [most from the] day, even the day that obviously you’re not in the best position.”

Is Hadjar a better fit for Red Bull than Lawson or Tsunoda?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Yuki Tsunoda had been linked with a move to Aston Martin

After losing his seat with Red Bull, it had been rumoured that Tsunoda would follow Honda to Aston Martin and join their ranks ahead of a potential seat for 2027.

However, luckily for the Japanese driver, the move never came, and after recent reports from Koji Watanabe suggested that Aston Martin would not look at Tsunoda as an option.

Watanabe said, “We will continue to nurture drivers up to F2 within the HFDP, Honda’s own programme, and if any drivers emerge who are capable of driving in F1, we will recommend them to Aston Martin.”

However, after Aston Martin have experienced extreme difficulties during the early stages of the 2026 season, Tsunoda may stop pursuing a drive with Aston Martin in the future.