Yuki Tsunoda Faces Mounting Pressure After Mexico Qualifying Exit

Yuki Tsunoda's struggles continued in Mexico, as he once again failed to reach Q3, placing him under intense scrutiny as Red Bull approaches a decision on its 2025 driver lineup. This marks his third consecutive qualifying session ending early, despite some recent praise for his race performance.

Why it matters:

Yuki Tsunoda is fighting for his Formula 1 future, with his consistent qualifying struggles contrasting with occasional strong race performances. As Red Bull assesses its driver pool for both its senior and junior teams, every session is crucial for the Japanese driver to prove he deserves a seat, especially with emerging talents like Isack Hadjar in the wings.

The Details:

• Mexico Qualifying: Tsunoda finished Q2 in 11th place at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez, missing Q3 by a mere 0.012 seconds, just behind Isack Hadjar.
• Consistent Early Exits: This marks the third consecutive Grand Prix where Tsunoda has failed to advance to the final qualifying segment, a concerning trend for a driver aiming to secure his F1 future.
• Mixed Performances: Despite qualifying setbacks, Tsunoda received commendation from Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies for his strong drive to P7 at the US Grand Prix, showcasing his race craft.
• Driver Market Pressure: Tsunoda is under significant pressure as Red Bull evaluates its driver lineup for the upcoming season. While he is widely rumored to be replaced by Hadjar at Visa Cash App RB (VCARB), there's uncertainty about whether he will be retained within the Red Bull driver pool at all.

What's next:

Red Bull had previously indicated that a decision on its driver lineups would be made post-Mexico. However, recent hints from Mekies suggest a potential delay in this announcement. This extended period of uncertainty only amplifies the pressure on Tsunoda to deliver consistent, strong results in the remaining races. His ability to convert qualifying struggles into robust race performances will be key to his retention, whether with Racing Bulls or potentially elsewhere within the Red Bull family.