Red Bull Drama Erupts as Yuki Tsunoda Blindsided by Last-Minute F1 Seat U-Turn
Yuki Tsunoda has revealed dramatic behind-the-scenes details surrounding the abrupt end of his full-time Formula 1 career, admitting he was left stunned after hearing late rumours that he would keep his Red Bull seat—only to be told moments later that he was out.
The Japanese driver will not be on the grid in 2026 following a major shake-up within the Red Bull driver programme. Instead, Tsunoda has been reassigned to a reserve and test driver role as Formula 1 prepares to enter a new era under revised power-unit regulations. The decision was confirmed just ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, instantly sparking debate over Red Bull’s ruthless approach to driver management.
Red Bull announced that rising star Isack Hadjar would replace Tsunoda, while Liam Lawson and highly rated teenager Arvid Lindblad would form the new Racing Bulls driver pairing. The move effectively ended Tsunoda’s five-year run as a regular Formula 1 driver, despite his growing consistency and experience within the team.
Speaking openly to DAZN Japan, Tsunoda admitted that the timing and confusion surrounding the decision made the blow even harder to take. Although he had mentally prepared himself for the possibility of losing his seat, he revealed that information circulating shortly before his official meeting suggested Red Bull had changed its mind.
“I was told after the Qatar Grand Prix, but honestly, it didn’t feel real at first,” Tsunoda explained. “I had prepared myself for that possibility, but what I heard before was different, so it came as a shock.”
According to Tsunoda, rumours reached him just moments before his briefing with team management, claiming that a late rethink had secured his place on the grid for 2026. When the final decision went the opposite way, the emotional impact was significant, even if he had already considered a reserve role as one possible outcome.
“I heard the decision might have been changed right before my briefing,” he said. “There must be many reasons behind it. But when they told me I didn’t have a permanent seat next year, it wasn’t like the world collapsed.”
Rather than letting the drama derail his focus, Tsunoda said he immediately shifted his attention back to racing. With the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix still to come, he chose to channel his emotions into delivering a strong final performance of the season.
“We still had Abu Dhabi coming up, so I immediately focused on the next race,” he added.
Tsunoda’s exit underlines the brutal reality of Red Bull’s talent pipeline, which is renowned for producing stars but equally notorious for its unforgiving nature. Since his F1 debut in 2021, Tsunoda has shown flashes of speed and clear development, yet the pressure from younger prospects ultimately tipped the balance against him.
However, the drama may not be entirely over. Tsunoda hinted that his 2026 role could extend beyond traditional reserve duties, suggesting Red Bull has discussed several alternative scenarios that could keep him actively involved.
“There’s a chance it won’t just be simulator and backup duties next year,” Tsunoda revealed. “I’ve already heard a few possible scenarios.”
While he declined to provide further details, the comments suggest Red Bull still values his experience, particularly during the early stages of the new technical regulations. Testing programmes, development work, or even unexpected race opportunities remain possible.
For now, Tsunoda plans to take time to reset before beginning preparations for his new role. Despite the disappointment and confusion surrounding the decision, his response reflects resilience rather than bitterness.
“I’ll rest for now and then start training for next season,” he said.
Though the drama surrounding his Red Bull exit has closed one chapter of his Formula 1 journey, Tsunoda’s calm resolve suggests he is not ready to walk away. In a sport defined by sudden twists and ruthless decisions, his story may still have another dramatic turn left to play out.
