Zandvoort became the stage for Yuki Tsunoda to prove his worth. Returning to the Racing Bulls seat in place of Isack Hadjar, the Japanese driver delivered a convincing performance and didn't hesitate to throw an open invitation to the paddock: if anyone needs a driver for the 2027 season, just call.
Tsunoda's display at the Dutch circuit certainly deserved praise. He had never driven the 2026-spec cars, whose new regulations he could only observe from the outside. Add the Sprint format, which made the weekend even busier, and his adaptation to the VCARB 03 was remarkably quick. The results: P12 in qualifying and P11 in the race — just outside the points, something few had predicted.
“If you want me, call me,” Tsunoda said with a light tone, responding to speculation that his Zandvoort performance could attract interest from other teams. “That's up to my manager and the teams looking for a driver. I know what I can do, and I think I've shown it to the paddock.”
The statement comes amid a tricky situation for his future. Tsunoda is currently a reserve driver for Red Bull, but the chances of a promotion to a main seat in Milton Keynes or a return to Racing Bulls are almost non-existent. If he wants to race full-time again, he must be willing to leave the Red Bull orbit and find a new home.
One of the most realistic destinations is Haas. The American team is reportedly keen on having a Japanese driver to expand its market. However, Tsunoda would have to give up Honda's backing, which has supported him throughout his career. Moreover, the fight for the seat left by Esteban Ocon is intense: Ferrari is pushing Rafael Camara, while McLaren is backing Leonardo Fornaroli.
Given this situation, Tsunoda's invitation is more than just a joke. He knows that his Zandvoort performance is his best negotiating card. If teams are looking for an experienced driver with a strong mentality, the number 22 is clearly on the list. Now it remains to be seen whether anyone dares to take the risk and open the door for him.
Baca Juga
Nico Rosberg menilai Max Verstappen sepenuhnya bersalah atas kecelakaan di GP Belanda. Kondisi basah-kering Zandvoort menjadi biang keladi.
Yuki Tsunoda tampil impresif di Zandvoort dan mengajak tim F1 menghubunginya untuk 2027. Peluang ke Haas terbuka, tapi persaingan ketat.
Netflix resmi memperbarui Formula 1: Drive to Survive untuk musim 9 yang akan mengikuti musim 2026. Produser berjanji menggali lebih dalam ke paddock.
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