Yuki Tsunoda is taking on a significant challenge in Formula 1, stepping into the second Red Bull seat, a position known for its intense pressure as teammate to Max Verstappen.
Following Liam Lawson`s brief stint, Tsunoda will drive for Red Bull starting from his home race at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. This opportunity is crucial for Tsunoda to demonstrate his readiness to compete at the highest level of F1.
For Tsunoda, this promotion is a chance to finally validate his long-held belief that he is prepared to race at the front of the Formula 1 grid.
Red Bull`s decision to make a driver change early in the season has drawn attention. This weekend at Suzuka will be a crucial test to determine if they have made the right choice by bringing in Tsunoda to replace Sergio Perez in the second car.
Tsunoda`s Pursuit of a Top Drive
As early as July of last year, amidst rumors about Sergio Perez`s performance, Tsunoda began expressing his frustration about the limited opportunities to advance within Red Bull.
By that time, in his fourth season with the junior team, Tsunoda had evolved into a more consistent and mature driver. He had reduced on-track incidents and radio outbursts that marked his early career.
After showing progress alongside Pierre Gasly and then consistently outperforming Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo, Tsunoda felt he deserved a shot at the top.
“I feel ready now, compared to the past years, to compete with top teams and for higher positions, even against Max,” Tsunoda stated at the Hungarian GP last year. “Ultimately, the decision is theirs, and I can only focus on my performance.”
He also found it illogical that Red Bull might consider promoting the less experienced Liam Lawson over him. Lawson had previously filled in for an injured Ricciardo and was a reserve driver, but Tsunoda believed his own track record warranted the opportunity.
Later in November, with Perez`s struggles continuing and Lawson now a full-time teammate after Ricciardo`s temporary return ended, Tsunoda made an even stronger case for a Red Bull seat in 2025.
“I always say I deserve that seat. It`s up to them,” he asserted. “I`ll keep beating whoever they put against me.”
Thanks to Honda`s influence, Tsunoda tested the main Red Bull car in Abu Dhabi. However, it seemed Perez would stay and Lawson would get the seat, blocking Tsunoda`s path, especially with Honda moving to Aston Martin in 2025.
However, Lawson`s difficult start to the new season led to a swift change by Red Bull after just two races, opening the door for Tsunoda.
Tsunoda`s Suzuka Objectives
Tsunoda`s immediate priority at Suzuka is to adapt to the RB21 car, which is known to be challenging even for Verstappen. Unlike Lawson, Tsunoda has no prior experience with this car and will have to learn quickly during the practice sessions starting Friday.
Racing at his home Grand Prix could be both an advantage and a disadvantage, but Suzuka is a familiar track for Tsunoda. In his previous races there, he has consistently qualified well for Racing Bulls and scored his first home point last year.
He will undoubtedly have strong support from Japanese fans.
Despite driving a less competitive car at Racing Bulls, Tsunoda has performed well this season, consistently reaching Q3 in qualifying and securing points in the Shanghai Sprint. He likely would have scored more points if not for team strategy issues.
Tsunoda has had a seat fitting and simulator time at Red Bull`s factory before arriving in Japan. The practice sessions will be crucial for him to build confidence with the car and integrate with his new team, aiming for a smoother start than Lawson experienced.
Performance Expectations for Tsunoda
Red Bull understands that Tsunoda won`t immediately match Verstappen`s pace. So, what is expected of him as the second driver?
According to Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft, “Long term, Tsunoda needs to be within a couple of tenths of Verstappen in qualifying. He needs to score consistently and capitalize on opportunities.”
Croft advises Tsunoda to focus on his own performance rather than directly competing with Verstappen. “Forget about your teammate, just maximize every session, qualifying, and race,” he suggests. “This approach might alleviate some pressure, as the expectations at Red Bull are significantly higher than at Racing Bulls.”
