Yuki Tsunoda is feeling the sting after Red Bull confirmed their decision to re-sign Sergio Perez on a two-year deal, effectively sidelining Tsunoda’s hopes of a 2025 Formula 1 seat with the main team.
Red Bull’s announcement means Perez will continue to partner with Max Verstappen until the 2026 season. This decision not only impacts Perez and Verstappen but also has ripple effects for others in Red Bull’s roster, including Tsunoda, Daniel Ricciardo, and Liam Lawson.
Tsunoda, who had an impressive 2024 season, was seen as a strong contender for promotion. However, with Perez secured for another two years, Tsunoda will remain with Red Bull’s sister team for at least one more season.
Despite expressing that he isn’t in a rush for promotion, Tsunoda has made it clear that he wants more assurance from Red Bull about his future. ‘I would like to see more commitment from the contract,’ Tsunoda stated. ‘Obviously, I’m already committed to Red Bull a lot and hopefully I can have a bit more commitment from them.’
Tsunoda mentioned ongoing discussions with Red Bull, emphasizing the need to be on the same page regarding his future. He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where anything can change rapidly, thus congratulating Perez while refocusing on his own career growth.
‘I just have to keep proving myself,’ Tsunoda shared. ‘Hopefully, Red Bull will see more of my progress and potential performance, and maybe it can change in the future.’
Interestingly, Tsunoda revealed that other teams have shown interest in him recently. This interest could provide him with alternative options if a long-term commitment with Red Bull doesn’t materialize. ‘The good thing is that other teams are starting to get interested in me,’ Tsunoda added. ‘I also got a couple of options from others, which is growing.’
But for now, Tsunoda’s priority remains with Red Bull. ‘First of all, my priority is Red Bull. I want to make sure we’re on the same page because Red Bull is part of my life so far and without them, I wouldn’t have achieved this much.’
With Red Bull’s decision to extend Perez’s contract, Tsunoda’s immediate future lies with the sister team. However, the young driver remains hopeful that his continued performance will eventually earn him a spot with the main team. Meanwhile, the growing interest from other teams adds an intriguing layer to his career prospects.
Source: Motorsport
