Mekies backs Tsunoda for F1 return despite Red Bull exit

Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies believes Yuki Tsunoda deserves another shot on the Formula 1 grid, despite the Japanese driver being relegated to a reserve role after a difficult 2025 season with the reigning champions. Tsunoda was replaced by promising rookie Isack Hadjar, who has already impressed alongside Max Verstappen, but Mekies praised Tsunoda's ongoing work ethic and speed, suggesting his F1 career should not be over.

Why it matters:

The driver market is notoriously tight, and a public endorsement from a top team principal carries significant weight. For Tsunoda, who struggled to match Verstappen's performance in a challenging RB22, Mekies's support could be crucial in convincing another team to take a chance on his experience and raw pace. It also highlights the intense pressure and high standards at Red Bull, where even a driver with four prior years of F1 experience can lose his seat after one subpar season.

The details:

• Tsunoda scored only 30 points in 2025, finishing 17th in the standings while teammate Verstappen finished second, leading to his demotion to Red Bull's reserve and simulator driver.
• Mekies emphasized Tsunoda's value behind the scenes, citing his "deep, recent experience of the car" as a major asset in development work.
• The team boss acknowledged Red Bull's historical weakness in maximizing the performance of its second car, an issue they are actively working to solve.
• Hadjar's Strong Start: Tsunoda's replacement, Isack Hadjar, has made a strong immediate impression. His highlights include qualifying third on his Red Bull debut in Melbourne and outqualifying Verstappen at Suzuka—a feat Tsunoda never achieved.
• Mekies detailed Hadjar's extreme commitment, including moving to London early, constant factory visits, and even flying back to the simulator between Bahrain tests, which is already translating to on-track speed.

What's next:

While Mekies's comments open a door, Tsunoda's path back to a full-time seat remains uncertain and likely depends on vacancies opening elsewhere on the grid.

• Hadjar appears secure in his seat for the foreseeable future, given his promising start and the team's satisfaction with his integration and work ethic.
• Tsunoda must continue to excel in his simulator role to maintain his visibility and prove his development, hoping his blend of experience and Mekies's recommendation will attract an offer when a 2026 seat becomes available.