Tsunoda hints at potential return after losing Red Bull seat
Yuki Tsunoda is optimistic about a possible return to Formula 1 after being replaced at Red Bull Racing ahead of the 2026 season.
“There’s a chance that my next year won’t be limited to simulator and reserve driver work."- Yuki Tsunoda
The 25-year-old, who made the switch from the Racing Bulls team to Red Bull Racing ahead of his home Grand Prix in Japan earlier in 2025, saw his campaign unfold in a challenging manner.
Tsunoda’s struggles culminated in the Red Bull outfit announcing he would no longer race with the team in 2026, and would only continue as the team’s reserve driver.
However, speaking in an interview with DAZN Japan, Tsunoda appeared confident about a quick return to the Formula 1 grid.
“There’s a chance that my next year won’t be limited to simulator and reserve driver work. I’ve heard about a few possible scenarios,” he revealed.
Further stressing his point, he continued: “I’m only 25, and I have my whole life ahead of me. This is just the beginning.”
Tsunoda will see French driver Isack Hadjar take his spot as teammate to Max Verstappen ahead of the regulation changes for 2026.
Tsunoda urged to be grateful for career
Earlier, 1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve stressed the need for Tsunoda to remain grateful despite his exit from Red Bull Racing.
The Canadian stated that driving for the Milton Keynes-based outfit has given Tsunoda leverage to compete for several elite teams, including in other series, if he aims to continue racing actively.
Villeneuve also highlighted the financial rewards the Japanese driver earned from the team as a positive aspect of his career.
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