Red Bull F1 chief Christian Horner issues clear Yuki Tsunoda verdict

Tsunoda, Horner, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

Red Bull F1 chief Christian Horner issues clear Yuki Tsunoda verdict

The Japanese driver is popular within the team

Originally written by Chris Deeley. This version is a translation.

Friday 30 May 2025 21:00

Red Bull Formula 1 boss Christian Horner has suggested that Yuki Tsunoda is not currently doing enough to hold on to his seat for 2026.

Tsunoda was catapulted into the main Red Bull team earlier this season despite being overlooked for the role last year when Sergio Perez vacated the car alongside Max Verstappen.

Liam Lawson's struggling start to 2025, however, forced Horner and his team to take action, with Lawson demoted back to Racing Bulls as Tsunoda made the step up.

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Despite now being six grands prix deep into his Red Bull career, Tsunoda is yet to look a significant improvement on his many predecessors, with his best finish having been P9 at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Will Yuki Tsunoda drive for Red Bull in 2026?

And, speaking ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, Horner revealed that the Japanese driver must improve if he wants to remain a Red Bull driver in 2026.

"But if he wants to be considered for next year, he needs to improve further."

That warning won't be anything Tsunoda didn't already know, particularly given the cut-throat way the team operates its race seat opposite Verstappen, but it has made his situation more stark.

Lawson has done little with Racing Bulls to push for a recall to the senior squad, often being outpaced and outraced by rookie team-mate Isack Hadjar, who may be next in line for promotion.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Christian Horner Sergio Perez Yuki Tsunoda