Photo: Race Pictures

Former McLaren driver stresses brutal reality of F1 with Tsunoda’s future

22:05, 19 Jan

bySamson Ero

Juan Pablo Montoya has emphasised that Yuki Tsunoda is currently not on any team’s radar, in his assessment of the ruthless and fast-moving nature of Formula 1.

“People don’t even think about Yuki anymore.”

- Juan Pablo Montoya

The former McLaren driver, speaking via AS Colombia, detailed how cruel and fast-moving the world of F1 can be, highlighting how quickly drivers can be forgotten.

“Look at how sad Formula 1 is. People don’t even think about Yuki anymore. It hasn’t even been a month since the last race – a month and a week. Yuki isn’t even on anyone’s radar anymore,” Montoya began.

“That’s the reality of this sport. There are those who are heroes one day and zeroes the next. When you’re a hero, you have to take advantage of it,” the seven-time race winner concluded.

Yuki Tsunoda during the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix - Photo: RacePictures

Tsunoda, who endured a challenging campaign at the Red Bull Racing outfit, was subsequently demoted to the role of a reserve driver, with Isack Hadjar taking his place. The Japanese driver has, however, recently expressed optimism about a possible swift return to the F1 grid.

Tsunoda vows to seize new Red Bull role

Earlier, Tsunoda expressed his determination to get the best out of his new role within the Red Bull Racing outfit. The 25-year-old expressed excitement about taking on the role and aiming to grow at the Milton Keynes-based team.

Tsunoda switched to the Red Bull team, replacing Liam Lawson after only two races of the 2025 season. He, however, failed to meet the expectations many within the team’s hierarchy had following his move.

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