Yuki Tsunoda urged to seek F1 future outside Red Bull after 2026 seat loss

Yuki Tsunoda will be without a Formula 1 race seat in 2026 after Red Bull opted not to retain him, with fans largely believing his best path back to the grid lies outside the energy drink company's driver stable.

Why it matters:

Tsunoda's impending exit from a race seat after five seasons highlights the intense pressure and limited longevity for drivers within the Red Bull system who fail to consistently meet the team's high expectations. His situation underscores the critical career crossroads faced by midfield drivers when a top team decides to move on, forcing a choice between loyalty to a program or seeking opportunity elsewhere.

The details:

• Red Bull confirmed Tsunoda will be dropped from its race lineup for the 2026 season, relegating him to a test and reserve driver role following what the team deemed poor performances.
• His seat will be filled by Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar, with fellow junior Arvid Lindblad then stepping into Hadjar's vacated spot at Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson.
• With all 20 seats for 2026 now officially filled, Tsunoda faces a year off the grid unless a last-minute opportunity arises, with his next chance for a full-time return coming when the driver market reopens for 2027.
• A fan poll conducted by RacingNews365 revealed a strong preference for Tsunoda to cut ties with Red Bull to revive his career.

By the numbers:

The poll results show clear fan sentiment on Tsunoda's next move:

• 51.39% voted for him to leave the Red Bull family but try to stay in F1 with another team.
• 20.15% suggested a move to the IndyCar series.
• Only 11.84% thought he should stay within the Red Bull program and hope for a future return.
• Smaller percentages supported moves to Formula E (9.97%) or the World Endurance Championship (6.65%).

What's next:

Tsunoda must now weigh a year as a Red Bull reserve driver against the possibility of securing a contract elsewhere for 2027. The fan poll indicates public belief that his talent may be better served seeking a fresh start with a team that can offer a more stable, long-term commitment, a common challenge for drivers emerging from the notoriously demanding Red Bull junior system.