Yuki Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1 hangs by a thread as Red Bull Racing’s confidence in the Japanese driver wanes. Once heralded as a potential star, Tsunoda’s 2025 season has devolved into a series of misfortunes, leaving him struggling to keep pace with teammate Max Verstappen and facing mounting pressure from the Red Bull hierarchy.
Tsunoda’s promotion to the senior team was seen as a redemption arc, yet instead of seizing the opportunity, he has faltered. With only 12 points to his name—three of which were earned before his promotion—he finds himself overshadowed by Verstappen’s impressive 230 points. The disparity between the two drivers is stark, with Tsunoda’s performance described as “damning.” His recent qualifying session at Monza, where he lagged nearly eight-tenths behind Verstappen, underscores the severity of his struggles.
Red Bull’s notorious second-seat curse looms large over Tsunoda, echoing the fates of previous drivers like Sergio Perez and Alexander Albon, who failed to match Verstappen’s pace. The team is reportedly eyeing rising star Isak Hajar for the 2026 season, further complicating Tsunoda’s position. With Honda’s exit from Red Bull on the horizon, Tsunoda loses a crucial backing that has shielded him from scrutiny.
While Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has defended Tsunoda, citing small improvements, the reality remains that numbers speak volumes in Formula 1. Tsunoda’s own comments reflect a growing resignation, suggesting he is acutely aware of the precariousness of his situation.
As the season progresses, the urgency for Tsunoda to deliver a standout performance intensifies. If he cannot turn the tide, he risks becoming yet another casualty of Red Bull’s unforgiving system. The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher for the young driver. Will he rise to the occasion, or will he fade into the annals of F1 history as just another victim of the second-seat curse?
