Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 future looks bleak. Red Bull has shut the door, Honda is leaving, and Marko has made his stance brutally clear.
A Tough Road Ahead for the Japanese Driver
Yuki Tsunoda is facing an uncertain future in Formula 1. With his contract running until the end of 2025, the Japanese driver is preparing for life without Red Bull in 2026.
The problem? He’s now in his fifth season with Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s junior team. With Liam Lawson’s promotion, the door to Red Bull Racing is officially closed.
And if there was any doubt, Helmut Marko made things crystal clear in Melbourne. When asked about Tsunoda’s chances, the Red Bull advisor pointed to the 24-year-old’s temperament—not his speed—as the main issue.
Marko: “Tsunoda Still Cracks Under Pressure”
“Tsunoda’s outbursts have improved, but they haven’t disappeared,” Marko stated bluntly.
He highlighted last year’s Mexican Grand Prix, where Tsunoda crashed twice at a critical moment in Red Bull’s decision-making process.
“That was the moment when the Red Bull seat was at stake, and he knew it,” Marko said. “He’s still prone to errors under pressure. Speed-wise, he’s got what it takes. But racing against Max (Verstappen) means handling constant pressure.”
That’s where Liam Lawson won out.
“Lawson got the seat because he’s mentally stable and pragmatic. His job is to bring in points, not to focus on Max. That’s his role for now. I think he understands that.”
No Backup Role for Tsunoda Either
If Tsunoda was hoping to be next in line at Red Bull, Marko shut that down too.
“Ayumu Iwasa is our reserve driver,” Marko confirmed.
Even if Verstappen or Lawson were to miss a race, Tsunoda wouldn’t get the call. Instead, Red Bull is looking ahead to 17-year-old Arvid Lindblad, who already has enough super license points.
“We’re asking the FIA for an exemption so he can race before he turns 18, just like (Kimi) Antonelli. We see no reason why he shouldn’t get the same treatment.”
Tsunoda’s Red Bull Exit is Coming
Another major issue for Tsunoda is the exit of his long-time supporter, Honda. The Japanese manufacturer will leave Red Bull at the end of 2025 to partner with Aston Martin in 2026.
That would normally open the door for Tsunoda to follow, but there’s just one problem—Aston Martin doesn’t have a free seat for him.
Honda Racing Corporation’s director, Koji Watanabe, recently hinted that Tsunoda could lose their backing after 2025. That’s likely why Tsunoda made a bold move this winter, parting ways with his current management.
Rumors suggest he’s eyeing a fresh start—possibly with Cadillac for 2026.
“I’m taking control of my own management,” Tsunoda said. “I understand that my future depends on my results. But that’s always been the case. I know I can’t stay in the junior team forever.”
What’s Next for Tsunoda?
With Red Bull shutting the door and Honda moving on, Tsunoda faces a tough battle to stay in F1. If he wants a seat in 2026, he’ll need to prove himself this season—and fast.
- Discover More>Russell Urges FIA Talks as Swearing Rule Sparks Tension
- Follow us on >Facebook and >Twitter for F1 updates
Marko Drops Tsunoda: No Future with Red Bull Marko Drops Tsunoda: No Future with Red Bull
