Ex-Daniel Ricciardo F1 team-mate opens up on Red Bull PROMOTION

Yuki Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo, VCARB, Visa, Bahrain, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

Latest F1 News

Ex-Daniel Ricciardo F1 team-mate opens up on Red Bull PROMOTION

Red Bull will field a new lineup in 2025

By Sheona Mountford.

Wednesday 19 February 2025 21:00

Former Daniel Ricciardo team-mate Yuki Tsunoda has opened up on being overlooked for a Formula 1 promotion to Red Bull this off-season.

After a dismal 2024 campaign, Red Bull decided that a change was needed in their driver pairing, axing Sergio Perez and bringing in Kiwi driver Liam Lawson.

F1 HEADLINES: Max Verstappen discusses ownership switch as F1 figure buys NEW team

Article continues under video

Racing Bulls star Tsunoda was perfectly lined up to replace the Mexican driver, after he beat team-mate Ricciardo and acquired the main bulk of points for his team in 2024.

However, Red Bull opted to promote Lawson, despite the 23-year-old’s lack of experience in F1 compared to Tsunoda.

Yuki Tsunoda was passed over for the Red Bull promotion

Liam Lawson will drive alongside Max Verstappen in 2025

Yuki Tsunoda on Red Bull decision

Now, Tsunoda has opened up on being snubbed by the main team, revealing that he didn't allow himself to get too riled up when the decision was announced.

“Last year’s things I’ve already kind of parked and put out of my head, to be honest. At the moment they officially announced it, I didn’t actually feel super angry or disappointed," he said.

Yuki Tsunoda reveals lack of anger at missing Red Bull promotion

“Maybe I was prepared inside my head at some point. In the end, whether I’m at Racing Bulls, VCARB or Red Bull, the things I have to do are the same.

“I’ve just got to stick to what I’m doing. I understand why they chose Liam. It is what it is – there are things I can’t control. I’ll just keep focused on myself and try to prove myself more.”

Red Bull Max Verstappen Formula 1 Daniel Ricciardo Yuki Tsunoda Liam Lawson