Yuki Tsunoda has been dropped by Red Bull for the 2026 season but will remain as a test and reserve driver, focusing on development and data collection.
New Delhi, India Dec 3, 2025 ALN: Yuki Tsunoda has been dropped by Red Bull as a driver for the 2026 season.
The Japanese driver will not drive for them or their sister team, Racing Bulls, next year.
Tsunoda, 25, will remain in Red Bull as a test and reserve driver - informally known as the third driver in a team.
In this role, Tsunoda will participate in testing the cars and working on the simulator.
He will help the team collect important data regarding the cars - which in a season with new regulations will be a key role.
Tsunoda will also be available to stand in for a Red Bull driver, should they not be available to participate in any events during a race week.
"I'm not finished yet," Tsunoda wrote on Instagram.
"Finding out I won't have a race seat in 2026 was incredibly tough, but I'm determined to work harder than ever with Red Bull as test and reserve driver to develop with the team, and prove I deserve a place on the grid.
"Life's full of setbacks, and this is mine. It's not going to deter me from being the best F1 driver I can be."
Becoming a reserve driver will allow Tsunoda to continue to be in the paddock during race weeks, while also searching for a seat in the 2027 season.
"His personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family," said Red Bull team principal, Laurent Mekies.
Both Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon made a comeback to the grid, after spending time in the reserve roles at Red Bull.
Tsunoda started the first two races in 2025 in the Racing Bulls seat, before he was promoted to Red Bull for his home race in Japan.
However, the 25-year-old has struggled to match the performance of his team-mate Max Verstappen.
As of the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen has a total of 396 points, whereas Tsunoda has collected 33 points, 30 of which were as a Red Bull driver.
He is also below the Racing Bull drivers in the standings - Liam Lawson, who swapped seats with Tsunoda, has 38 points, and Isack Hadjar is 10th in the standings with 51 points.
Rookie Hadjar will replace Tsunoda at Red Bull for the 2026 season.
Tsunoda's last race as a Red Bull driver will be at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
He joined F1 in 2021, driving for Racing Bulls which at the time was known as Alpha Tauri.
Yuki Tsunoda's journey in 1 began when he made his debut with Alpha Tauri, Red Bull's sister team, in 2021. He quickly gained attention for his aggressive driving style and impressive performances, particularly in qualifying sessions. However, as the seasons progressed, he faced challenges in consistently translating that potential into race results.
His promotion to Red Bull for the 2025 season was seen as a significant step in his career, especially given the team's competitive nature and the high expectations that come with driving for a top-tier team. However, the disparity in performance between Tsunoda and his teammate, Max Verstappen, has become a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Verstappen, being a two-time World Champion, has consistently demonstrated his ability to extract the maximum performance from the car, while Tsunoda has struggled to keep pace.
The 2025 season has been particularly challenging for Tsunoda. Despite starting the season strong, his inability to secure points consistently has led to a disappointing tally compared to his peers. The statistics reveal a stark contrast in performance: while Verstappen has been racking up points at an impressive rate, Tsunoda's points total has been significantly lower. This has raised questions about his future within the Red Bull program.
In the competitive world of 1, performance is paramount, and teams are often forced to make tough decisions regarding their driver line-ups. Tsunoda's situation is a reminder of the pressure that drivers face to perform at the highest level. The announcement of his demotion to a reserve role reflects the team's need to prioritize performance and results, especially in a season where new regulations have been introduced, affecting car performance and design.
As a test and reserve driver, Tsunoda will still play a crucial role in the team's development. His experience and knowledge of the car will be invaluable as Red Bull navigates the challenges of new regulations. This role allows him to remain integrated within the team and continue to contribute to the car's performance while also providing him with the opportunity to showcase his skills in testing sessions.
Moreover, being a reserve driver keeps Tsunoda in the conversation for future race seats. The history of 1 is filled with examples of drivers who have transitioned from reserve roles back to full-time racing positions. Notably, Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon both found their way back to the grid after spending time as reserve drivers for Red Bull. This pathway provides a glimmer of hope for Tsunoda as he looks ahead to the 2027 season.
Tsunoda's resilience and determination are evident in his public statements. His commitment to improving and proving himself reflects a mindset that many successful athletes share. In a where setbacks are common, the ability to bounce back and maintain focus is crucial for long-term success. Tsunoda's journey is still ongoing, and while this season may not have gone as planned, his future remains uncertain yet filled with potential.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Tsunoda as he takes on his new role and continues to develop as a driver. The combination of his experience, the opportunity to work closely with the Red Bull team, and the possibility of returning to a race seat in the future makes for an intriguing narrative in the world of 1. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Tsunoda adapts to his new position and whether he can leverage this experience to reclaim a spot on the grid in the coming seasons.
In addition to the technical aspects of his new role, Tsunoda's personality and approach to the will play a significant role in his development. Known for his enthusiastic demeanor and willingness to learn, he has established a rapport with both his team and fans, which could be advantageous as he navigates this transitional phase in his career. The 1 community often values not just skill on the track, but also the character and attitude of drivers off the track.
Furthermore, the landscape of 1 is constantly evolving, with new talents emerging and experienced drivers retiring. This dynamic creates opportunities for drivers like Tsunoda to make a comeback. With the right combination of performance, timing, and strategic decisions, he could find himself back in a competitive seat sooner than expected.
Ultimately, Tsunoda's journey is a testament to the challenges and unpredictability of a career in 1. While the immediate future may seem uncertain, his commitment to growth and improvement could pave the way for a successful return to racing. As he embarks on this new chapter as a test and reserve driver, the focus will be on his ability to adapt, learn, and capitalize on any opportunities that arise in the fast-paced world of 1.
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