Tsunoda exits Red Bull after RB21 struggles, eyes Aston Martin

In a surprising move, Red Bull Racing announced on July 21, 2025, the dismissal of Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda after just ten races in the 2025 season. The decision, made by the Austrian team in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, reflects the 25-year-old’s struggles to adapt to the demanding RB21 car and meet expectations alongside Max Verstappen. With only seven points scored, Tsunoda failed to provide the technical support needed for the car’s development, crucial for the team’s preparation for the 2026 regulations. Honda, Tsunoda’s long-time backer, is now working to relocate him, with Aston Martin, their new engine partner, as the primary option, though likely only as a test driver. Tsunoda’s exit opens the door for new talent and sparks discussions about the pressure on drivers at Red Bull.

Tsunoda’s stint with the main team began with high expectations but quickly revealed challenges. Promoted from Racing Bulls to replace Liam Lawson at the Japanese Grand Prix, the driver saw the opportunity as a chance to shine. However, the RB21’s narrow performance window demanded precision that Tsunoda couldn’t consistently deliver, resulting in uneven performances.

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Key challenges for Tsunoda at Red Bull:

• Frequent Q1 eliminations during qualifying.
• Only seven points in ten races.
• Struggles to provide technical feedback for car adjustments.
• Constant comparison to Verstappen’s dominant performance.

Red Bull’s decision reflects not only track results but also the need for a driver to support Verstappen in the constructors’ championship fight in 2026.

Technical challenges of the RB21

The RB21, designed under Pierre Waché’s leadership, posed significant hurdles for Tsunoda. Unlike the Racing Bulls car, which allowed more margin for error, the RB21 required precise driving due to its complex aerodynamics and rear instability. Verstappen, known for his technical prowess, secured wins at tracks like Suzuka and Imola, while Tsunoda struggled to find consistency. In Miami, the Japanese driver admitted needing more time to understand the car, but results never materialized.

The lack of technical feedback was a decisive factor. Red Bull engineers noted Tsunoda’s difficulty in translating simulator data to the track, limiting RB21 development. The team, which finished fourth in the 2025 constructors’ championship, now focuses on drivers who can contribute to the new Red Bull Powertrains-Ford engines.

Factors hindering Tsunoda’s adaptation:

• RB21’s limited performance window.
• Lack of experience with high-performance cars.
• Pressure to match Verstappen’s performance.
• Challenges in fine-tuning during races.

Tsunoda’s exit marks a strategic shift for Red Bull, prioritizing synergy between drivers and engineers.

Uncertain future with Aston Martin

Honda, which has supported Tsunoda since his junior categories, is committed to keeping him in Formula 1. With their Red Bull partnership ending in 2025, the Japanese manufacturer now focuses on Aston Martin, which will use their engines from 2026. Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, expressed support for Tsunoda but acknowledged that Aston Martin, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll secured until 2026, offers limited chances for a race seat.

Tsunoda resists the idea of being a reserve driver. “I want to race, not just test. I’ll pursue every opportunity,” he stated after his exit was announced. A return to Racing Bulls or talks with smaller teams like the upcoming Cadillac are also under consideration.

Possible paths for Tsunoda in 2026:

• Test driver role at Aston Martin, focusing on development.
• Race seat with emerging teams like Cadillac.
• Exploration of alternative categories, such as endurance racing.
• Return to Racing Bulls, if Red Bull keeps the seat open.

The transition to Aston Martin, while logical, faces obstacles due to the team’s established lineup, leaving Tsunoda’s future uncertain.

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Journey of a promising talent

Yuki Tsunoda entered Formula 1 in 2021 with AlphaTauri, now Racing Bulls, backed by Honda. His natural speed and charisma made him a standout, particularly in 2024, when he outperformed Daniel Ricciardo and scored 15 points. Trained by the Honda Formula Dream Project, Tsunoda won the Japanese F4 championship in 2018 and finished third in F2 in 2020, earning his F1 seat.

At Racing Bulls, Tsunoda thrived in a more forgiving environment. However, his promotion to Red Bull Racing exposed limitations under pressure and with a car tailored to Verstappen. “At Racing Bulls, I could take risks. The RB21 demands perfection, which was a shock,” Tsunoda admitted.

Milestones in Tsunoda’s career:

• 2021 debut with a fourth-place finish in Abu Dhabi.
• Seventh place in the 2024 Miami GP, his best result.
• 2025 promotion to Red Bull Racing.
• Seven points in ten races in 2025.

Despite challenges, Tsunoda remains Japan’s most consistent F1 driver, surpassing predecessors like Takuma Sato.

Red Bull’s relentless culture

Red Bull Racing is notorious for its rigorous driver selection. Since Verstappen established himself as the team’s leader, drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon struggled to keep pace. Tsunoda, despite flashes of speed, fell into the same trap. The team’s culture, which prioritizes immediate results and detailed technical feedback, proved incompatible with Tsunoda’s style.

The arrival of Laurent Mekies as team principal brought a more balanced perspective, but it wasn’t enough to save Tsunoda. Having worked with him at Racing Bulls, Mekies praised his progress, but the decision to replace him was final. “Yuki has talent, but Red Bull demands more than speed,” Mekies noted.

Reasons for Tsunoda’s dismissal:

• Struggles to handle pressure alongside Verstappen.
• Lack of synergy with engineers.
• Underwhelming 2025 results.
• Need for a more technical driver in 2026.

Tsunoda’s exit reflects Red Bull’s focus on drivers who complement Verstappen and aid car development.

New directions for 2026

With Tsunoda’s departure, Red Bull is evaluating options for 2026. Isack Hadjar, who scored 21 points with Racing Bulls in 2025, is the frontrunner for the seat. Arvid Lindblad, a rising F2 star, is also in contention. With new Red Bull Powertrains-Ford engines and Laurent Mekies at the helm, the team aims to reclaim dominance lost in 2025, when they finished fourth in the constructors’ championship.

Adrian Newey’s departure to Aston Martin further impacts the team, which now focuses on rebuilding. The choice of the next driver will be critical for success in 2026, with new regulations and technical challenges ahead.

Candidates to replace Tsunoda:

• Isack Hadjar, with strong Racing Bulls performances.
• Arvid Lindblad, a promising F2 talent.
• Liam Lawson, with potential for a comeback.
• Possible external drivers from rival teams.

Red Bull enters a new era, while Tsunoda seeks a fresh start in Formula 1, backed by Honda and his determination to stay on the grid