Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies stated that Yuki Tsunoda deserves another chance at a full-time Formula 1 seat after losing his position at the end of the 2025 season. Tsunoda, now serving as a reserve and simulator driver, scored just 30 points that year while teammate Max Verstappen finished second. Mekies praised Tsunoda's contributions behind the scenes.
Yuki Tsunoda was demoted from his Red Bull race seat following a disappointing 2025 campaign, where he finished 17th in the drivers' championship with 30 points across 22 grands prix. The 25-year-old Japanese driver had previously raced for four years with sister team Racing Bulls before the promotion. He was replaced by Isack Hadjar, who earned a podium at Zandvoort in his rookie season there and has impressed in three starts alongside Verstappen this year, including third in Melbourne qualifying, points in China, and outqualifying the world champion at Suzuka despite challenges with the RB22 car. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies expressed support for Tsunoda on the Beyond the Grid podcast, saying, “Yuki is doing a great job with us, not only as a reserve driver, but also as a simulator driver.” He added, “Of course, we wish for him that there is an opportunity that comes soon because racing drivers are meant to race. And that's what we wish for Yuki.” Mekies acknowledged Red Bull's past struggles with the second car's performance, noting, “It's fair to say that Yuki has shown significant speed in the past and we wish for him that another opportunity comes along the way.” Mekies also highlighted Hadjar's dedication ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, describing his integration efforts: moving to London in January, frequent factory visits, and simulator work between Bahrain tests. “Isack is in a great place right now,” Mekies said. “He has done everything he could have done to maximise his integration with the team.” While Hadjar's strong start reduces the likelihood of Tsunoda's immediate return to Red Bull, Mekies emphasized the team's focus on driver development amid a long season.
