Dec.12 (GMM) Yuki Tsunoda says he was caught off-guard by Red Bull’s decision to drop him from the 2026 race lineup – and believes the call may have been changed at the last moment.
Speaking to DAZN Japan, Tsunoda admitted: “The news was different from what I had been told before, so I was surprised.
“I’ve heard that the decision may have been changed shortly before it was communicated to me.”
The 25-year-old also reflected on the challenge of stepping into Red Bull’s environment mid-season, saying the performance gap to Max Verstappen’s side of the garage was not completely as it appeared.
“My engineering team is very capable, but they simply don’t have that much experience, so we sometimes needed help. But I couldn’t always ask for it,” said the Japanese.
Tsunoda praised Gianpiero Lambiase as “one of the most impressive engineers I’ve ever worked with”, describing the Verstappen-Lambiase dynamic as operating on “a whole different level”.
Despite losing the race seat, Tsunoda strongly hinted that his 2026 role may extend beyond reserve and simulator duties. “There’s a chance that my next year won’t be limited to simulator and reserve driver work,” he revealed.
“I’ve heard about a few possible scenarios,” he added, without elaborating.
He added that he has grew significantly under the pressure of 2025’s ultra-tight field. “A gap of two or three tenths behind Max could mean five to seven grid spots. In such conditions, it’s difficult to prove your worth.
“But I’ve learned a lot this year – I’ve really grown as a person and as a driver.”
Tsunoda will now rest before beginning training for 2026: “I’m only 25, and I have my whole life ahead of me. This is just the beginning.”
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