F1 Fans Call for Red Bull to Replace Yuki Tsunoda for 2026 Season

Formula 1 fans are urging Red Bull to drop Yuki Tsunoda and seek a different driver for the 2026 season, rather than keeping the 25-year-old. This sentiment comes amidst Tsunoda's struggles to consistently perform since his promotion to the main team.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's driver lineup decisions are critical, particularly as they aim to secure the Constructors' Championship. With Max Verstappen as a clear front-runner, the performance of the second driver directly impacts the team's ability to accumulate points and maintain a dominant position against rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari. A change in driver could either stabilize or disrupt the team's dynamics.

The Details:

• In a RacingNews365 poll, 53.7% of respondents believe Red Bull should replace Tsunoda, while 39.7% feel he deserves more time.
• Tsunoda was promoted from Racing Bulls to Red Bull after just two races this season, replacing Liam Lawson.
• He has scored only 20 points in 15 races for Red Bull, which has impacted the team's fight for second in the Constructors' Championship.
• Performance struggles: Tsunoda experienced a challenging period, including a seven-race point-less streak from Monaco through Hungary.
  • Despite this, he has shown recent progress, scoring points in two of the last four races, including a season-best sixth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
• Emerging talents: Both Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar, Red Bull junior drivers, have achieved stronger results in 2025:
  • Hadjar secured a podium finish in Zandvoort.
  • Lawson claimed a fifth-place finish in Baku, matching Tsunoda's best but in fewer races.

What's next:

Red Bull faces a crucial decision regarding its 2026 driver lineup. The fan poll reflects a growing desire for a change, potentially favoring one of their strong junior talents like Lawson or Hadjar.

• The team will need to weigh Tsunoda's recent improvements against the consistent performances and higher ceiling demonstrated by other Red Bull-backed drivers.
• Their choice will not only address fan expectations but also significantly influence their strategic position and championship aspirations for the coming seasons.