Yuki Tsunoda has expressed his disappointment following Red Bull Racing’s decision not to promote him to the main team for the 2025 season. The Japanese driver, who has been a part of the Red Bull junior program, feels frustrated and questions what more he needs to do to earn a spot alongside Max Verstappen. Red Bull recently confirmed Liam Lawson as the second driver for their rebranded “Racing Bulls” team, leaving Tsunoda questioning his future within the organization.

Tsunoda’s performance over the past few seasons has been solid, yet Red Bull’s management seems unconvinced. Team principal Christian Horner and advisor Helmut Marko have suggested that Lawson’s mental strength and potential for improvement outweighed Tsunoda’s experience. Marko stated that the decision was data-driven, indicating that both drivers deserved promotion but Lawson was chosen due to perceived greater growth potential.

As Tsunoda grapples with the reality of remaining in the junior team, there are discussions about his next steps. While options such as Aston Martin and Alpine have been mentioned, his future remains uncertain. Tsunoda’s frustration is palpable; he recently remarked that he might need to secure pole positions and podiums to finally gain recognition from Red Bull, a daunting task given the current competitiveness of the cars.

With the grid set to welcome six rookies next season, including Lawson and newly confirmed Isaac Hajar, the competition for seats will only intensify. As Red Bull navigates these changes, Tsunoda’s situation highlights the challenges and pressures facing drivers in the cutthroat world of Formula 1. The upcoming season promises to be a tumultuous one, not just for Tsunoda, but for all involved as teams reevaluate their strategies and driver line-ups.