Is Yuki Tsunoda's F1 Career on the Rocks? A Look at the Red Bull Dilemma
Is Yuki Tsunoda's F1 career hanging by a thread?
The 25-year-old Japanese driver has been a topic of intense debate among F1 fans and pundits alike. While some see him as a promising talent, others believe he's failing to deliver the results expected from a Red Bull driver. The question on everyone's mind: is he 'not bringing anything to the table' as Jacques Villeneuve suggests?
The Red Bull Conundrum
Tsunoda's struggles began when he replaced Liam Lawson after the first two races of the F1 2025 season. Despite scoring points in just six of his 18 appearances for Red Bull's senior team, he has yet to outqualify his teammate, the reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen. While he has shown some improvement since the summer break, his performance at the Mexican Grand Prix left much to be desired, finishing 11th and failing to qualify ahead of his teammate.
Overprotection or Lack of Results?
Team principal Laurent Mekies, who previously worked with Tsunoda at the Racing Bulls sister squad, claimed the Japanese racer is 'making steps forward' and his pace in Mexico was comparable to Verstappen's. However, Villeneuve disagrees, arguing that Tsunoda's lack of pace and points is letting the team down. He believes Mekies is 'overprotecting' Tsunoda, and that his performance is not good enough to justify a place at Red Bull.
The Future of Tsunoda at Red Bull
With Red Bull delaying a final decision on its F1 2026 driver lineup, citing Tsunoda's improved performances as a factor, the future of the Japanese driver at the team remains uncertain. While some believe he will be dropped at the end of this season, others think he might get a reprieve with the Red Bull family. The team is set to decide on its 2026 lineup before the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 7, and the pressure is on to make the right call.
The Controversial Takeaway
So, is Yuki Tsunoda 'not bringing anything to the table'? The answer is complex and depends on who you ask. While some believe he has the potential to improve, others think he's already on the way down. The debate rages on, and the future of the Japanese driver at Red Bull hangs in the balance. What do you think? Is he good enough to stay, or is it time for a change? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
