After years of anticipation, Yuki Tsunoda finally secured a Red Bull works seat in 2025 – only to struggle in what became his sole season with the championship-winning team. This outcome reaffirms Red Bull Racing’s enduring ruthlessness in the post-Christian Horner era.
Now departing the F1 grid entirely, Tsunoda will be replaced by Isack Hadjar, who earned promotion through stellar performances with Red Bull’s junior team Racing Bulls.
Despite desperately wanting the Red Bull opportunity, Tsunoda failed to meet the team’s exacting standards. In Formula 1’s top tier – especially at outfits like Red Bull – underperformance rarely earns a second chance.
Even a return to Racing Bulls wasn’t offered, with Tsunoda reportedly reassigned to reserve duties through a combination of loyalty and practical necessity.
Hadjar will officially partner four-time World Champion Max Verstappen in 2026, becoming the latest in a revolving door of teammates for the Dutch driver – now accustomed to co-drivers changing as frequently as Doctor Who regenerations.
Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad will fill Hadjar’s vacancy at Racing Bulls following impressive F2 results and standout FP1 appearances at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Will Tsunoda ever return to the F1 grid? The odds seem long. While great drivers dominate for decades, most face shorter careers. As attention shifts to fresh talent, the Japanese driver will likely fade from the spotlight by next season. Formula 1’s revolving door continues turning – today’s champion can become tomorrow’s memory.
