In a surprising year for Formula 1, Yuki Tsunoda has been relegated to 17th position in the drivers’ standings, while his teammate Max Verstappen has established himself as one of the most prominent. This situation has drawn attention, as Tsunoda was part of a team competing for titles, but failed to shine with the RB21.
The comparison with other drivers is inevitable. One notable example that parallels his case is Felipe Massa, who during the 2012 season occupied 16th position in mid-championship while teammate Fernando Alonso led the championship. However, Tsunoda has had a unique experience with Red Bull, which chose to promote Liam Lawson instead of him after releasing Sergio Pérez.
After Lawson failed to make an impact in the first two races and returned to his previous team, Tsunoda had the opportunity he had longed for to make the jump to the main team. The Japanese driver was excited about his new opportunity, as he had quickly adapted to the driving style required by a Red Bull car.
But the reality was very different. In contrast to the eight victories achieved by Verstappen, Tsunoda only managed to finish in a disappointing sixth position at the Baku Grand Prix, accumulating a total of 30 points compared to his teammate’s 385. This abyssal difference in results led the Japanese driver to question the reasons for this failure with a vehicle that should have been competitive.
In the podcast *Beyond The Grid*, Tsunoda confessed that he still does not fully understand the characteristics of the RB21. He explained, ‘Normally I understand what kind of car I’m driving, but there are moments when I don’t know how to adapt.’ This accumulated lack of understanding throughout the season made him lose confidence at various moments in competition.
One of the factors Tsunoda identified as wrong was his attempt to copy Verstappen’s adjustments, a mistake that other drivers had also made. He shared that, despite respecting the champion’s talent, his driving style is too different, and he ended up losing his own identity at the wheel.
After a year full of difficulties, the Japanese driver received the news that he would not continue as a full-time driver for Red Bull in 2026. This did not surprise him, as the results had not been in his favor; rather, he felt a certain relief from being able to free himself from the pressure he had experienced throughout the season.
Tsunoda has reflected on the effort he put in during 2025, recognizing that he fought harder than ever. One of his reflections emphasizes that, despite the results, he has no regrets and that he gave his best. Looking to the future, he will be seeking a new challenge, hoping to regain his confidence and find the driving style that makes him feel most comfortable.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
