Tom Coronel, a pundit known for his candid opinions, claims that Yuki Tsunoda’s “childish” behavior over team radio may have cost him a chance to secure a coveted seat with Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen. Although Tsunoda emerged as a promising driver within Red Bull’s junior team, his candid radio outbursts have reportedly made Red Bull hesitant about promoting him.
Yuki Tsunoda joined Formula 1 with Red Bull’s junior team in 2021, and quickly earned the distinction of being the longest-standing driver for the Faenza-based team. Despite his steady performance, Tsunoda’s name has not surfaced as a potential candidate for Red Bull’s primary racing team, a fact attributed by Coronel to Tsunoda’s perceived immaturity. As this racing season unfolded, Tsunoda outperformed his teammate at VCARB, yet it was Daniel Ricciardo who was considered to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull, rather than Tsunoda.
Coronel, who appears to be both critical and supportive of Tsunoda, remarks that while the young driver’s personality has kept him from ascending to Red Bull’s top team, his raw talent and fighting spirit make him a unique presence on the track. “Verbally, I don’t think he is ready for the top; he comes across as a bit childish at times,” Coronel shared in Formule 1 Magazine, suggesting that if Tsunoda had presented himself with more maturity, he might already be racing for Red Bull.
Nevertheless, Coronel praises Tsunoda’s boldness and ability to push limits. He admires Tsunoda for daring to speak his mind and for his aggressive driving style, describing him as having the ‘X-factor’ that excites Formula 1 fans. Coronel paints a vivid picture of Tsunoda as a driver unafraid of risks, someone who consistently shows determination and flair, engaging spectators with his willingness to fight until the very end.
When questioned at the Hungaroring about his readiness to step up to Red Bull, Tsunoda expressed confidence in his abilities. “Yeah,” he confidently stated, expressing that he has felt ready to compete against the top teams for the past three years. Still, he acknowledged that the decision rests with the team chiefs, not within his own control. Despite his confidence, Red Bull’s decision to maintain Sergio Perez as Verstappen’s teammate underscores Coronel’s point that Tsunoda’s antics may continue to hinder his career advancement.
Though Yuki Tsunoda’s raw talent and fiery spirit have made him a fan favorite, it appears his outspoken demeanor and perceived immaturity could be significant barriers to joining Red Bull’s premier team. Coronel’s insights highlight how important composure and maturity are in the world of Formula 1, as even the most promising talents must navigate personal development to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
