Tsunoda: Overlooked by Red Bull, Still Beating Teammates

Yuki Tsunoda dismisses being overlooked by Red Bull as routine, focusing instead on consistently outperforming his teammates in Formula 1.

Tsunoda insisted he “definitely deserves” to drive in Formula 1 with Red Bull but described being overlooked by the main team as “the usual story.”

Sergio Perez’s ongoing struggles in the second Red Bull Racing seat this season have fueled intense speculation that he could lose his position alongside Max Verstappen.

While Tsunoda outperformed Daniel Ricciardo during their time as teammates, Red Bull has not been keen on pairing him with Verstappen.

Instead, Lawson has emerged as the RB F1 driver potentially ready for a promotion. Additionally, Franco Colapinto’s name is already being mentioned in the corridors of Milton Keynes.

Tsunoda, who will drive the Red Bull RB20 in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi, said he has grown accustomed to being overlooked.

“Some stories already happened when Daniel was my teammate. Liam came in, and all of a sudden, he’s at the top of the list. So honestly, it’s just the usual story in this team, or within the Red Bull family.”

When asked if he deserves a Red Bull seat, Tsunoda replied: “Yes, 100%. I always say that. I definitely deserve that seat, and there’s nothing more I can say. It’s really up to them to decide.”

The Honda-backed driver, who holds a contract with RB F1 for 2025, said he has stopped getting upset over situations beyond his control.

“There was a moment when I probably started getting impatient, likely just before the summer break. But this thing, as I said, I recognize I can’t control it. And that’s just part of life.”

“I just have to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m the one still racing now, and no matter who it is, I keep destroying my teammates. After Nyck de Vries, it was Daniel, so that’s what I’ll keep doing.”

Does he think being too closely tied to Honda is costing him a seat in the top team?

“Honda has supported me since I was young, and right now, Honda and Red Bull are working together. I’m sure they’re pushing, but it’s just the Red Bull thing—for some reason, it doesn’t work. I’ve just stopped thinking about it, as it’s a pointless thing to dwell on.”