Yuki Tsunoda signals his ambition loud and clear, eyeing a Red Bull seat while pressure builds around struggling stand-in Liam Lawson.
Yuki Tsunoda isn’t holding back when it comes to his Formula 1 ambitions — and he’s made it clear he’s ready to take the next step.
The Japanese driver admitted he was frustrated over the winter after being overlooked for a Red Bull Racing seat alongside Max Verstappen. But with Liam Lawson now under pressure and Red Bull reportedly considering changes to their lineup, Tsunoda sees an opportunity — and he’s not staying quiet about it.
As rumors swirl and Red Bull plans a high-level meeting this week, team boss Christian Horner hasn’t ruled out a lineup shake-up before the Japanese Grand Prix in two weeks. Tsunoda has stepped up, confidently throwing his name into the mix.
Tsunoda: “I’m 100% Ready for Red Bull Call-Up”
“I said it on Saturday and I’ll say it again — I’m 100% ready,” he told reporters after the race, responding to questions about the speculation around Lawson.
“I haven’t driven the RB21, so I don’t really understand why Liam is struggling. But I did test the RB20 in Abu Dhabi after the season, and I felt comfortable in it. I didn’t drive with Max that day, so I can’t compare our pace directly, but I didn’t have any issues with the car. I felt good.”
Tsunoda, still officially a Racing Bulls driver, is now focused on his home race in Suzuka — where he scored points for the first time last year. He’s hoping for a repeat performance, and maybe even a career-defining moment.
“Suzuka’s a very different track, so you never really know what to expect,” he said. “But I’m excited. Our car has solid pace this season — if we prepare well and things go our way, there’s definitely a chance to score points again.”
Relentless and razor-focused, Tsunoda is making one thing clear: he’s not waiting around for an invitation. He wants that Red Bull seat — and he’s ready to prove he deserves it.
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Tsunoda Ready to Pounce as Red Bull Rethinks Lineup
Tsunoda Ready to Pounce as Red Bull Rethinks Lineup
