Yuki Tsunoda slipped to seventeenth in the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ standings, a dramatic fall from his teammate Max Verstappen’s eighth‑place finish and 385 points.
Red Bull’s Re‑shuffling and Tsunoda’s Opportunity
Red Bull sidelined underperforming Sergio Perez and handed the 2025 promotion to Kiwi‑born Liam Lawson, anticipating a higher potential despite limited experience.
Lawson’s brief stint of two races, both ending in front‑round eliminations, forced a return to Racing Bulls, paving the way for Tsunoda’s maiden start in the main team.
Adapting to a New Front‑End
Tsunoda noted that Red Bull cars “tend to have strong front‑end grip” and that his own preference for aggressive turning matched the RB21’s character.
“I adapted my driving style to that kind of set‑up,” he said, adding that step‑up from Racing Bull’s more understeering cars balanced his concerns.
Performance Gaps Reveal a Driver‑Car Disconnect
Unlike Verstappen, who captured eight Grands Prix, Tsunoda failed to reach a podium, his best finish being sixth in Baku, and amassed only 30 points.
Over 27 qualifying sessions, Tsunoda reached Q3 eight times, faced Q2 nine times, and fell out of Q1 ten times, finishing a quarter‑second slower on average.
Misread Set‑Up and Confidence Crisis
In an interview with Beyond The Grid, Tsunoda admitted he struggled to grasp the RB21 after Abu Dhabi, remarking, “I still don’t understand what was the issue.”
He tried replicating Verstappen’s set‑ups in free‑practice at Suzuka, overlooking that the Dutchman’s style thrives on sharper, more sensitive handling, which the RB21 delivered differently.
Confronting The Sensitivity Debate
Alex Albon had previously doubted the applicability of Verstappen’s approach, describing it as “eye‑wateringly sharp.” Tsunoda echoed this, noting the RB21 felt “accurate but not necessarily more sensitive” and describing an uneven response across circuits.
He said, “I tend to force the car how I want to drive,” but recognized only Verstappen could exploit the front‑end natural behavior and maximise corner performance.
The End of a Pivotal Season
In the Qatar sprint, Tsunoda learned he would not be retained for 2026 and would instead become a reserve driver.
“I fought more than ever in 2025,” he reflected, citing Helmut Marko’s long‑standing support yet acknowledging the relief he felt after an exhausting campaign.
Red Bull’s 2025 car iterations and driver alignment will shape the team’s future approach as the 2026 season approaches.
"