The 2025 season has delivered a harsh verdict for Yuki Tsunoda. After being promoted to Red Bull’s main Formula 1 team, the Japanese driver’s performance failed to meet the high expectations set by a squad vying for championships. As a result, Tsunoda is being replaced ahead of the next season, ending what many had hoped would be a breakthrough chapter.
Tsunoda was handed the opportunity after the team quickly demoted his predecessor. He stepped into a seat alongside a top-tier teammate, and under the spotlight of intense scrutiny — including his home Grand Prix. But over the course of the campaign, Tsunoda struggled to deliver consistent results. Despite flashes of speed and promising race-craft at times, the wider pattern of underwhelming finishes and a lack of points made his continuation untenable for Red Bull.
With the decision made to part ways with Tsunoda’s seat, the pressing question now revolves around the future trajectory of his career. Whether he seeks to remain in F1 with a different team, returns to a junior outfit, or steps back to rebuild remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that this setback marks a major turning point for one of the grid’s most scrutinized young drivers.