Yuki Tsunoda gets a new chance in Formula 1 this coming weekend. He had to pay for his disappointing debut year at Red Bull in 2025 with a role as a test and reserve driver. However, in Zandvoort, he gets to race again; Liam Lawson replaces an injured Isack Hadjar at Red Bull, allowing Tsunoda to step in at Racing Bulls. The Japanese driver is still applying for a permanent spot on the grid, although he doubts whether he can get noticed with just one substitute appearance.
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“I mean, it’s always nice to be able to get into action and of course I want that too,” he responded during a media session in Zandvoort. “And I will do my utmost best anyway.” When asked if he can get noticed by other teams this way, Tsunoda remained realistic. “To be honest, I think such a chance won’t make a very big difference.”
A good chance
That doesn’t mean Tsunoda isn’t aiming for a new F1 contract. “You always have to talk to other teams and sell yourself a bit,” he explained. “On the other hand, you can best prove yourself by driving well, so in that respect this is a good chance.” During the Dutch GP, the 26-year-old driver’s main goal is to enjoy himself. “I have waited a long time for this moment, so now I’m just going to have fun,” he concluded.
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After a long career at junior team Racing Bulls, formerly AlphaTauri, Tsunoda finally inherited Liam Lawson’s second Red Bull seat last year. After a disappointing season, however, he lost his permanent spot in Formula 1. Since then, he has been linked to Aston Martin and Haas, teams that have close ties with Japan through Honda and Toyota respectively.
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