Tsunoda Voices Discontent at Spa Over Seat Snub

Tsunoda expresses frustration at Spa, feeling sidelined in the race to replace Perez in the upcoming season.

Yuki Tsunoda believes that “other factors” are at play in Red Bull’s decision-making process when evaluating who might replace Sergio Perez in the Formula 1 team.

Perez’s poor run, scoring 21 points in the last seven races, has sparked rumors he might lose his seat at the break.

Despite accumulating more than twice the points of his more experienced teammate Daniel Ricciardo, Tsunoda is not named as a main candidate.

Ricciardo has been touted as the primary alternative to Perez if a mid-season change occurs, while Liam Lawson tested the RB20 at Silverstone.

However, Tsunoda reiterated his view that he should be considered to partner Max Verstappen based on his performance throughout the campaign.

“Well, I guess for Red Bull drivers, except Max, every race is crucial,” Tsunoda said when asked how critical this weekend at Spa was.

“I mean, it’s the last round before summer, anyway, these things… You get quite used to it and just go about your normal race.”

“If you look at the previous races, from the first race, it’s quite clear how much I’ve improved on track.”

“The number of Q3 appearances, the points taken on new tracks, I think that proves enough. Obviously, this race will also be important, but we’ll see how it goes.”

Tsunoda is adamant: he is focused on his own track performance, as he admitted he was unsure whether Red Bull’s leadership considers him as an option.

“At this point, I don’t know if they consider me, maybe they do, I don’t know. I guess it’s the same for everyone, I don’t think the other drivers, except Max, get information about that.”

“They’re likely having discussions behind the scenes, I hope I’m part of those conversations and I think I’ve done what I should have. I’m pleased with what I’ve achieved so far, and what more should I do beyond that?”

“You’re talking about the rumors and the seat at Red Bull or whatever, it’s clear that my point tally compared to other drivers speaks in my favor. So, I’m happy with what I’ve done, these are the things I can control.”

“I can’t control these other things, so I just focus on what I can control, which is performance.”

Tsunoda admitted he hasn’t had conversations with Red Bull boss Christian Horner or advisor Helmut Marko in recent weeks about his chances of a potential promotion at Red Bull, even though he recently extended his RB F1 contract.

“I don’t know about the other drivers. It seems that other drivers also reacted as if they hadn’t had that kind of conversation either.”

“I don’t know about the driver who is not currently racing (Lawson), but these are things that… I hope they decide as soon as possible.”

“Obviously, I’d love to be in the seat, 100%, but it’s also not really a nice feeling to hear rumors going around saying ‘Oh, this race has to be good’ or added pressure, when I’ve never even had conversations or have no idea about it. I don’t know. But that’s how it goes.”

Tsunoda suggested that being overlooked for a promotion would indicate he has reached a ceiling in his career prospects within the Red Bull program.

When asked if he felt he had gone as far as he could with RB F1, Tsunoda responded: “As a driver, there are a few races where I could have done better.”

“For example, in Montreal, I was in the points and I lost the points I had.”

“But other times, just compare the Q3 appearances, qualifying results, and race results, and it’s all clear.”

“So, in my opinion, yes, it’s quite clear that I’m doing my utmost. If a spot opens and I’m not chosen, it’s also clear that there might never be a place for me at Red Bull Racing.”

The Japanese driver believes external factors would have been considered in the event someone other than him was chosen to replace Perez.

“I guess there are also other factors, as they are also considering other drivers like Sainz. It’s based on rumors, but… If you only look at performances, it’s quite clear, as I said.”

“It’s really clear that I’m the one who’s getting the best results, even among the top of the field, if you compare me to all the drivers.”