Yuki Tsunoda has admitted that he understands why Red Bull opted to promote Liam Lawson instead of him for the 2025 season, despite his strong performances in 2024. As he prepares for his fifth consecutive season with Red Bull’s sister team, the Japanese driver remains focused on proving himself on the grid.
After Red Bull secured third place in the Constructors’ Championship and chose to part ways with Sergio Perez at the end of last season, Tsunoda initially emerged as a strong contender for promotion to the senior team. However, Red Bull ultimately chose to give the opportunity to Lawson, who had impressed in multiple substitute appearances for Racing Bulls (formerly RB) during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The New Zealander had seamlessly stepped in for Daniel Ricciardo on both occasions, scoring points in three races and making a strong case for promotion.
Tsunoda did not “feel disappointed”
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon ahead of F1 75 Live, Tsunoda reflected on the team’s decision. “Last year’s things I’ve already kind of parked and put out of my head, to be honest,” he said. “At the moment they officially announced it, I didn’t actually feel super angry or disappointed.
“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.”
Tsunoda enjoyed his most successful Formula 1 campaign last season, securing 12th place in the Drivers’ Championship with 30 points. His consistent performances and noticeable improvements earned high praise from Racing Bulls Team Principal Laurent Mekies, who described his season as “outstanding.”
A new teammate
For the 2025 season, Isack Hadjar, last year’s Formula 2 runner-up, will join Tsunoda. The French-Algerian driver, who has been part of the Red Bull Junior Team since 2022, will make his full-time debut in the sport alongside other newcomers on the grid.
Despite his continued presence in the Red Bull family, Tsunoda’s long-term future remains uncertain. His long-time backers, Honda, are set to switch allegiances to Aston Martin in 2026, coinciding with Formula 1’s new engine regulations. This shift has cast some doubt over where he will land in the coming years.
Tsunoda’s future with the Red Bull family
Addressing his future, Tsunoda acknowledged the changing landscape of the sport. He said, “Maybe our team will change its name again next year, so it’s a different team! Let’s see. It depends on my performance.
“Obviously, I would like to stay in this Red Bull family. If it’s Red Bull Racing, that’s amazing. If not, then I’d still love to be in this part of the team.
“I’ve already been in this team for five years, and I feel connected to the people here, which is very important as a driver to develop myself and focus on what I want to do. I feel a lot of support from them, which means a lot to me. Whatever happens, there can be interesting options.”
As Tsunoda prepares for another year in Formula 1, he remains determined to make his mark. With a new teammate alongside him, the Japanese driver aims to prove his worth once again, hoping to secure a future within the Red Bull ranks—or beyond.
