Yuki Tsunoda Says Red Bull Switch Was Harder Than Expected After Losing 2026 Seat

Overview

• Promoted from Racing Bulls after the opening races of 2025 to replace Liam Lawson, Tsunoda struggled to adapt to the RB21 and to challenge Max Verstappen.
• Tsunoda says Verstappen received upgrades before him through much of the year and maintains he was competitive once he had identical parts.
• His Red Bull campaign yielded 30 points across 22 races, with the team ultimately finishing third in the constructors’ standings.
• Red Bull has selected rookie Isack Hadjar for the 2026 race seat, moving Tsunoda into a test and reserve role.
• Reflecting on the move, Tsunoda says his lone regret was leaving the Racing Bulls VCARB-02 he helped develop and believed was a strong package.