Former Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda is set to make a surprise return to Formula 1 machinery this week after the team reversed an earlier decision and confirmed he will participate in a private testing programme in Barcelona.
Tsunoda lost his full-time Red Bull seat at the end of the 2025 season following a difficult campaign alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The Japanese driver was replaced by highly-rated youngster Isack Hadjar for the 2026 Formula 1 season, ending his hopes of continuing as a race driver with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Since stepping away from a full-time role, Tsunoda has remained closely connected to the team, serving as Red Bull’s reserve driver. His responsibilities have included simulator work, supporting race operations, and staying prepared should he be required to step in during the season.
Now, Red Bull have confirmed that Tsunoda will return to the cockpit as part of their Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The opportunity comes as a welcome boost for the 26-year-old, who previously suggested that no such plans were in place.
Speaking earlier in the year during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, Tsunoda revealed that he had not been scheduled for any Red Bull testing activities.
“At the moment there are no plans for TPC running or tyre testing,” he explained at the time. “I was even considering driving Formula 2 or Formula 3 machinery privately just to stay active and maintain my driving sharpness.”
However, circumstances have changed, and Red Bull have now decided to place Tsunoda back behind the wheel. The test is designed to ensure he remains race-ready and maintains valuable experience in Formula 1 machinery while continuing his reserve duties.
There will be one notable difference compared to his previous outings with the team. Tsunoda is expected to drive a Honda-powered car during the Barcelona test, rather than one equipped with a Red Bull Powertrains unit. The test will involve one of Red Bull’s previous-generation cars, in line with Formula 1 regulations governing TPC sessions.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies welcomed the opportunity to get Tsunoda back on track and praised the commitment he has shown since moving into a reserve role.
“We are delighted to give Yuki this chance to drive again,” Mekies said. “He has worked incredibly hard for the team and remains an important member of the Red Bull family.”
Mekies also highlighted the importance of keeping reserve drivers sharp through real-world track action.
“He has spent many hours in the simulator and has done everything possible to maintain his fitness and preparation levels,” he added. “But nothing can truly replace the feeling of driving a Formula 1 car. This test will be the best possible way for him to stay ready should we need him.”
For Tsunoda, the Barcelona outing offers an important opportunity to remain connected to Formula 1 and demonstrate that he still has the pace and ability to compete at the highest level of motorsport. While his future as a full-time F1 driver remains uncertain, this latest Red Bull U-turn ensures he will once again experience life behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.
