Villeneuve Questions Red Bull's Praise for Tsunoda Amidst 'Overprotection' Claims

Former F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has openly criticized Red Bull's recent commendations of Yuki Tsunoda, suggesting the team is 'overprotecting' him despite his perceived underperformance. Villeneuve argues that Tsunoda, despite his experience, isn't delivering the pace or points needed for Red Bull, especially when compared to teammate Max Verstappen.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's junior driver program is legendary for identifying and nurturing talent, but its F1 lineup decisions, especially for the second seat alongside Verstappen, are under constant scrutiny. Villeneuve's comments highlight a key debate: should a team prioritize an experienced driver who might be plateauing, or take a risk on a promising rookie? This decision will be crucial as F1 heads into a new technical era in 2026.

The Details:

• Tsunoda's Mexico Performance: Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised Tsunoda's Mexico Grand Prix weekend, calling it his 'best in a long time.' Tsunoda qualified with a 'just' 0.211s deficit to Verstappen in Q2, and a delayed pitstop in the race potentially cost him a strong points finish.
• Villeneuve's Dissent: Jacques Villeneuve strongly disagreed with Mekies on Sky Sports' F1 Show podcast, questioning the definition of a 'good weekend' for Tsunoda.
  • He emphasized Tsunoda's significant gap to Verstappen and his lack of contribution in terms of pace, points, or support for Max's championship bid.
  • Villeneuve asserted that Tsunoda, with his experience, is 'already on the way down' and that Red Bull is 'overprotecting him for some reason.'
• Experience vs. Performance: Villeneuve dismissed the idea that Tsunoda's five seasons of experience are inherently valuable if he isn't performing at a high level. He argued that 'good experience' is necessary, not just any experience.
  • He suggested that if a driver isn't 'good enough,' they won't help in understanding new regulations or developing the car.
• Rookie Potential: Villeneuve advocated for taking a chance on a 'young rookie or left-field' talent to bring 'new energy and a new thought process to the team,' rather than sticking with a 'known quantity that you know is not good enough.'

The Big Picture:

Red Bull is currently evaluating options for Verstappen's 2026 teammate. This ongoing discussion around Tsunoda's performance and future highlights the immense pressure on drivers within the Red Bull family. The team has a history of promoting from within, but also of being ruthless with those who don't meet expectations. The choice for 2026 will not only shape the team's immediate future but also signal its long-term strategy for the new regulations.

What's next:

With the 2026 technical regulations looming, Red Bull's driver selection process will intensify. Isack Hadjar, a current Racing Bulls driver with an impressive rookie F1 season and a podium at Zandvoort, is currently seen as a favorite for the second Red Bull seat. His current standing in the championship (10th with 39 points) is notably higher than Tsunoda's (17th with 28 points). The team's decision will likely weigh current performance heavily against perceived future potential and the ability to adapt to new car designs.