Yuki Tsunoda Confident of Red Bull Future Amid 2026 Decision

Yuki Tsunoda has declared to Red Bull that he believes he is "on the right trajectory" to retain his Formula 1 seat, as the team's significant 2026 driver decision approaches. Once widely expected to be dropped due to inconsistent performances, Tsunoda's fortunes have significantly improved since the summer break, particularly his race pace.

Why it matters:

Yuki Tsunoda's recent surge in form and his confident statements come at a crucial time for Red Bull, who are evaluating their driver lineup for 2026. With several young talents in their pipeline, Tsunoda's ability to demonstrate consistent improvement is vital for securing his place and shaping the future of Red Bull's driver roster. A strong, reliable performance from a junior driver offers Red Bull more strategic flexibility.

The details:

• Tsunoda finished both the Sprint and the Grand Prix in Austin in seventh place, showcasing a marked improvement in his race performance.
• He also secured a season-best sixth place in Azerbaijan, marking his best result since a fourth-place finish at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• Prior to this upturn, it was anticipated that current Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar and F2 protege Arvid Lindblad might be promoted, potentially leaving Tsunoda and Liam Lawson to contend for a single seat.
• Tsunoda's confidence: "I think definitely I’m on the right trajectory, and improving lots of stuff, so I’m confident in what I’m doing now and just keep pushing to score points," Tsunoda stated.
• He emphasized his focus on team performance: "I think there is still potential to be in P2 in the Teams’ Championship, and there's still potential for Max to win the World Championship, so I try to be in front of these guys and help as much as possible."
• Tsunoda acknowledges the ultimate decision rests with Red Bull but believes his progress warrants retention: "It’s up to [Red Bull], really. It’s what kind of team line-up they want. But I think I’ve improved a lot of things, and I also keep improving myself to deserve… that I can be in the same team next year."

What's next:

Tsunoda's continued performance will be key in the coming races as Red Bull evaluates its driver options. If he maintains his current trajectory, he stands a strong chance of securing his future with the Red Bull family, potentially impacting the progression path for other junior drivers within their extensive program. The decision will not only depend on his direct results but also on how he compares against internal benchmarks and the overall team strategy for 2026.