Yuki Tsunoda has admitted that his 2024 Formula 1 season has felt like a constant battle for a potential promotion to Red Bull Racing, with added pressure now that Liam Lawson has joined the fray. With Daniel Ricciardo out of the picture, Lawson has stepped in for the rest of the season, adding to the competition for a future seat alongside Max Verstappen.
Tsunoda, who has shown impressive growth throughout the year, believes the fight for a Red Bull Racing seat has been ongoing since the season’s start. “For me, from the first race already onwards, it’s kind of been a shootout between me and Daniel,” Tsunoda explained.
“Who is going to be ahead all the time influences next year’s contracts. For me, the shootout is part of the whole season.”
Ricciardo was initially considered a possible replacement for Sergio Pérez, who has faced increased scrutiny this season, but Tsunoda has been quietly building his case as a strong candidate. Red Bull boss Christian Horner highlighted Tsunoda’s role, saying, “Taking Yuki as the data point, we saw with Daniel where he compared to Yuki. It will be very interesting to see how Liam performs over the last six remaining races.”
Despite being overlooked at times, Tsunoda outperformed Ricciardo earlier in the season and decisively bested Nyck de Vries, Ricciardo’s predecessor, in the first half of 2023. However, the 24-year-old remains focused on his performance and acknowledges the importance of consistency in securing a future with Red Bull.
“You have to be ahead all the time, and that will be what depends on next year’s contract and everything. But for me, it’s always been part of the whole season,” Tsunoda said. He understands that Red Bull’s decision will come down to results, and he’s committed to delivering his best across the final races.
With Lawson now joining the team as Ricciardo’s replacement, Tsunoda recognises the added competition but sees it as a natural part of the Red Bull system. “I’m sure it will increase the kind of mentality of trying to not get beaten, but I guess that’s natural,” he admitted.
“Maybe slightly a bit more spice on top of it than usual, but I think it was similar to last year as well. I know that those things are just floating around anyway.”
Tsunoda believes that his performances will ultimately speak for themselves. “I just have to keep proving myself with results and how I work throughout the race weekends.
“I’ll just try to be close to the perfect driver, that’s what I need to do.”
While the competition grows more heated, Tsunoda is clear about his main goal: securing sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship for his team.
“I’ll make sure I’ll be ahead of Liam, and hopefully, we can achieve P6 in the team championship. That’s the main goal.”
Looking ahead, Tsunoda is aware that Red Bull’s future decisions are out of his hands, but he remains focused on performing at his best.
“Those opportunities—whatever stuff—it’s up to [Red Bull]. I just focus on what I have to do, and we’ll see how it goes.”
