Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Yuki Tsunoda is set to return to Formula 1 track action in 2026 after Alan Permane confirmed the Japanese driver will participate in selected Friday free practice sessions with Racing Bulls.
Tsunoda was released from a full-time race seat at the end of the 2025 campaign following a difficult season in which consistent points finishes proved elusive. Despite that setback, he has remained within the wider Red Bull Racing structure and now serves as test and reserve driver ahead of the new regulatory era.
The 25-year-old has already undertaken commercial and promotional duties in the United States this year, although one recent demonstration run ended prematurely when the car caught fire. Nevertheless, Permane underlined the importance of Tsunoda’s technical feedback, particularly given the extensive power unit and aerodynamic regulation changes introduced for 2026.
“It’s great to have Yuki still in the family,” Permane said.
“He’s been part of this team for a long time. It’s good that he's still going to be in the paddock.”
With teams continuing to unlock performance from the revised power unit systems and new aerodynamic platform, simulator correlation and driver input are considered essential development tools.
“His input will be very, very valuable, he will help us out a lot with simulator running.”
Permane also confirmed Tsunoda’s role will extend beyond simulator duties, with on-track participation scheduled during selected race weekends.
“He will do some Fridays - I’m not sure in both cars or just ours - but he will feature in FP1 running.”
“But a lot of his work will be simulator support for us.”
“That’s really fantastic for us to have someone of his calibre helping us over a race weekend, driving our simulator.”
Tsunoda’s involvement in FP1 sessions will provide additional real-world data under race conditions, while his simulator work will support setup optimisation and power unit management across the season. As teams adapt to the demands of the 2026 regulations, experienced reserve drivers are expected to play a critical role in accelerating development cycles and refining operational tools throughout the championship.
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