Red Bull Star Tipped for DEMOTION as Tsunoda Verdict Issued
In a surprising twist in the 2025 Formula 1 season, speculation is mounting that Red Bull Racing could be preparing to shake up its driver lineup, with underperforming driver Sergio Pérez tipped for a potential demotion. The development follows a string of inconsistent performances from the Mexican driver and a breakout season for AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda, whose recent form has earned high praise within the Red Bull camp.
Sources close to the team suggest that Red Bull management is growing increasingly frustrated with Pérez’s inability to match teammate Max Verstappen, who continues to dominate the championship standings. While Pérez started the season strongly, his pace has dramatically tailed off in recent races, with several qualifying blunders and race-day missteps drawing criticism.
Team principal Christian Horner has publicly defended Pérez on multiple occasions, but the pressure is undeniably building. With Red Bull aiming to maximize its Constructors’ Championship points amid increased competition from Ferrari and McLaren, having both drivers consistently in the top five is crucial.
Meanwhile, Tsunoda, who is in his fourth season with Red Bull’s sister team, Visa Cash App RB (formerly AlphaTauri), has made a compelling case for promotion. The Japanese driver has displayed a newfound maturity in 2025, regularly outqualifying and outperforming teammate Daniel Ricciardo and even scoring points in races where the car wasn’t expected to be competitive.
“Yuki has taken a massive step forward this year,” said Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko in a recent interview. “He’s more composed, technically astute, and finally delivering the consistency we’ve been looking for. It’s not just about speed — it’s about putting together complete weekends, and he’s been doing that more often than not.”
Tsunoda’s development has not gone unnoticed by Red Bull’s top brass, and internal discussions are believed to be ongoing about a possible mid-season switch if Pérez’s form does not improve. A similar reshuffle occurred in 2020 when Alexander Albon was replaced after failing to perform alongside Verstappen.
Adding to the intrigue, former Red Bull driver Ricciardo has struggled since returning to the grid, with whispers suggesting that Tsunoda is now firmly ahead of him in the queue for a potential Red Bull seat. “Yuki is clearly showing he’s ready for a bigger challenge,” said Sky Sports F1 pundit Naomi Schiff. “He’s refined his driving style, and his feedback is now instrumental in car development — two things Red Bull value highly.”
However, the decision is far from straightforward. Red Bull must weigh Tsunoda’s potential against Pérez’s experience, especially in high-pressure situations like Monaco and Suzuka. There’s also the consideration of sponsorship dynamics, as Pérez enjoys substantial backing from Latin American sponsors, which has commercial benefits for the team.
The Red Bull driver merry-go-round has long been a hallmark of their aggressive performance culture, where results are paramount. For Tsunoda, this could be his best chance yet to break into the top tier — and for Pérez, the next few races may determine whether he retains his seat until the end of the season.
With the Canadian Grand Prix just weeks away, all eyes will be on both drivers. Pérez will be desperate to respond to the pressure with a strong result, while Tsunoda will look to keep piling on the momentum that could change the trajectory of his career.
As the 2025 F1 season heads into a pivotal stretch, Red Bull faces a tough decision: stick with experience or gamble on youth. Either way, the team’s pursuit of dominance leaves little room for complacency — and the battle for that coveted second seat is heating up fast.
