Yuki Tsunoda Reflects on 2025 Struggles and Growth as a Driver

Yuki Tsunoda recently opened up about his stint with Red Bull on the _Beyond the Grid_ podcast, reflecting on the hurdles he faced in 2025 and how these experiences have contributed to his development as a driver. After an unexpected return to Racing Bulls in 2026, stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar, Tsunoda has been making the most of his opportunity, although his future in F1 remains uncertain.

As Red Bull's reserve driver this year, Tsunoda returned to Racing Bulls after losing his race seat at the conclusion of 2025. Promoted to Red Bull early in the 2025 season, he found himself struggling to leave a significant mark and played a supporting role to Max Verstappen's championship campaign. On the podcast, Tsunoda candidly discussed what he regards as his biggest mistake during a difficult year.

"I have a big enough ego to not change my driving style," Tsunoda admitted. "I know what I'm doing and believe in myself, so I never try to change to match others, even if they're faster. With Max, it was different because he's a World Champion. I thought about changing my style to be like his, but looking at the data, I didn't see a huge difference. My mistake was trying to replicate his setup."

Despite Tsunoda's efforts, the results were not as hoped. He managed to score in only seven out of the 21 Grands Prix, whereas Verstappen clinched second in the championship, winning five of the last eight races. This stark contrast led to Tsunoda's replacement by Hadjar for the following season.

"When I was told I wouldn't be driving next year, I wasn't as devastated as expected," Tsunoda said. "I fought harder than ever in 2025 and gave everything I had. Though the outcome wasn't what I wanted, I don't have regrets."

Returning to Racing Bulls for a few races in 2026, Tsunoda has impressed, particularly in the challenging Sprint format at Zandvoort. He noted the pressure of joining a team performing well in the championship and the limited practice time with the new car.

Tsunoda's performance included an 11th place finish at Zandvoort and a 10th place at Monza, earning a point for Racing Bulls in their battle against Alpine. "Crossing the line in P10 felt special," he shared. "It reminded me of scoring my first points with AlphaTauri. It was a moment of joy and celebration with the team I hadn't experienced in a while."

Looking ahead, Tsunoda is focused on securing a full-time seat for 2027, though the competition for available spots is fierce. "My primary focus is F1," he stated firmly. "I'm fortunate to have opportunities now, and I aim to maximize them in hopes of returning full-time."

For more of Tsunoda's insights, listen to the full _Beyond the Grid_ episode and explore other episodes in the series for a deeper dive into the world of F1.