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Yuki Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. The Japanese driver is widely expected to lose his Red Bull Racing seat after this season, and with most places for 2026 already taken, options appear limited. Yet Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies is full of praise for Tsunoda as a person and as a driver.
Tsunoda made his debut in 2021 with Red Bull’s sister team. Supported by Honda, he waited patiently for a chance to step up, but that opportunity never seemed to come. When it became clear last year that Red Bull would part ways with Sergio Pérez, Tsunoda openly said the team should choose him. Instead, Liam Lawson was selected to partner Max Verstappen.
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Lawson’s time alongside Verstappen lasted just two race weekends. Since the Japanese Grand Prix, Tsunoda has been Verstappen’s teammate, but he has not been able to provide support. He scores few points, and his position within the team has come under pressure. He is expected to be replaced by Isack Hadjar next year and may now be battling Lawson for a seat at Racing Bulls.
Mekies Full of Praise
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies knows Tsunoda well and speaks warmly about him in the Talking Bull podcast. “He is an incredible person. He is the most genuine, friendly and generous type. He is truly a friend of mine. Even if we see each other almost every weekend, he would drive a hundred kilometres just to have dinner with you.”
A Unique Career Path
Mekies also admires Tsunoda’s development as a driver. “He has had a very unique career. He has pure speed and made a huge jump forward in his fourth year, a phase where many drivers simply stabilise. His 2024 season with Racing Bulls was genuinely impressive, followed by a strong start to 2025. Now he has the chance to prove himself at a top team like Red Bull.”
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