Formula 1, Sportrik Media – Yuki Tsunoda has mounted a staunch defense of his Red Bull tenure ahead of the 2025 season finale, even as reports indicate he is poised to lose his F1 seat post-Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.
The 25-year-old Japanese driver was elevated to the main Red Bull Racing squad from the Japanese GP onward, swapping with Liam Lawson, but his inconsistency has cast doubts on his future. Currently 15th in the drivers' standings with just 30 points, Tsunoda trails teammate Max Verstappen, who arrives at Yas Marina eyeing a fifth world title. RacingNews365 reports confirm Tsunoda's replacement by Isack Hadjar at Red Bull for 2026, with sister outfit Racing Bulls retaining Lawson alongside promoted rookie Arvid Lindblad.
Since entering F1 via the Red Bull Junior Team in 2021, Tsunoda acknowledges the season's hurdles but highlights late gains. "I’ve done what I could do," he told media, including RacingNews365. "Especially the last four races, the team gave me a lot of support and able to drive with [an] almost identical car to Max. I proved a lot of things. Since I had an identical car, I was always within two or three-tenths."
He detailed Vegas consistency in FP1-FP3, outpacing Verstappen on multiple laps despite qualifying woes beyond his control. In Qatar Sprint, Tsunoda finished ahead and aided strategy, lagging just three-tenths in main qualifying—enough for top five normally. Deeper analysis reveals the RB21's tailoring to Verstappen's style, echoing struggles of predecessors like Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez.
Tsunoda contrasts his arc with prior teammates. "I’m showing what I can do. I don't think with my seat, [other drivers were] consistently able to drive this close - at least if I remember the last few years," he added. "I didn't see many drivers [performing] like this, able to achieve like this, step up in the middle season and go through very, very difficult moments with the beginning of the season. It's just a matter of now we'll try to help Max at the next race. The pace is there, I don't think that there is much more we can do with this second seat." Official lap pace data backs his claims, showing tight margins in late-season sessions.
The 2026 lineup drama intensifies, with Honda reportedly pressuring Red Bull via engine deals to salvage Tsunoda's Racing Bulls spot. Yet, De Telegraaf affirms the call: Hadjar to Red Bull, Lawson-Lindblad at Racing Bulls. X sentiment echoes fan dismay, with viral posts like "Yuki deserved better" decrying judgments on a one-man car. Speculation points to IndyCar via Honda or an Alpine reserve role.
From a team view, Red Bull under advisor Helmut Marko ruthlessly grooms juniors, with Lawson and Lindblad embodying long-term vision. For Tsunoda, whose Azerbaijan P6 was a highlight, incidents like prior Abu Dhabi stalls compounded woes. Parallels to Alex Albon reveal second-driver pitfalls, yet Tsunoda excels in mid-season adaptation.
Facing the exit, Tsunoda prioritizes the finale. "It’s just a matter of now we'll try to help Max," he stressed. His post-Red Bull path looks promising elsewhere, potentially via Honda to other series or a 2027 F1 return under new regs. With Pirelli aiding low degradation at Yas Marina, it's his last shot to shine. Follow F1 insights at Sportrik.com/en.
Baca Juga
Empat pria ditangkap terkait perampokan terhadap Willi Weber, mantan manajer Michael Schumacher, dalam operasi internasional.
Red Bull Racing perpanjang kemitraan titel dengan Oracle hingga 2030 jelang era regulasi baru Formula 1 2026.
Pirelli umumkan Mario Isola tinggalkan F1 jelang musim 2026, Dario Marrafuschi ambil alih unit motorsport.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!