Tsunoda on His Future: « I Would Be Lying If I Said I Wasn’t Nervous »
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, job security is a luxury few drivers possess, and nowhere is this truer than within the Red Bull driver program. As the paddock speculates on the driver lineups for the new regulation era in 2026, Yuki Tsunoda has offered a candid glimpse into his mindset, admitting that the uncertainty is weighing on him—even if he has learned to thrive within it.
Despite a strong 2025 campaign with VCARB (Visa Cash App RB), the Japanese driver has yet to receive a concrete confirmation regarding a promotion to the main Red Bull Racing team or a long-term extension.
The Weight of 2026
The 2026 season represents a massive reset for Formula 1 with new engine regulations and chassis rules. For a driver, securing a seat for this cycle is crucial. Speaking to the media ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Tsunoda dropped his guard when asked about the ongoing discussions regarding his future.
« I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, » Tsunoda confessed. « There are always rumors, always discussions. You see other drivers signing contracts, and you naturally wonder where you fit in the puzzle. »
Tsunoda’s honesty highlights the brutal reality of the sport: performance is paramount, but timing and politics often dictate careers.
Comfort in the Chaos
However, Tsunoda’s admission came with a surprising twist. The 25-year-old revealed that while the situation is nerve-wracking, it also brings him a strange sense of calm. Having been part of the Red Bull Junior Team and surviving the notoriously cutthroat environment of the sister team for five seasons, Tsunoda is no stranger to pressure.
« In a way, this uncertainty is comfortable for me because I know it too well, » he explained. « Since my rookie year, every race has felt like a test. I’ve always had to prove I deserve to stay. So, while I am nervous about the outcome, the feeling of fighting for my life on track… that is just normal for me now. »
This paradoxical mindset suggests a maturity in Tsunoda. Rather than being paralyzed by the fear of losing his seat, he is using the « survival mode » that has defined his career to extract maximum performance from the car.
The Honda Factor and the Red Bull Seat
The narrative is complicated by the impending departure of Honda, Red Bull’s engine partner, to Aston Martin in 2026. Tsunoda, a Honda protégé, faces a crossroads. Does he sever ties with the manufacturer that brought him to F1 to stay within the Red Bull family, or does he look elsewhere?
With Isack Hadjar pushing hard in the other VCARB seat and the main Red Bull team constantly evaluating options to partner Max Verstappen, Tsunoda knows he cannot afford a slip-up.
« My focus remains on the track, » Tsunoda concluded. « The only way to stop the nerves is to drive fast enough that they have no choice but to keep you. »
As the season heads toward its finale, Tsunoda’s ability to balance this anxiety with his on-track aggression will determine if he finally lands the top drive he has coveted for half a decade.
Sources
- Motorsport.com – « Tsunoda candid on future fears »
- The Race – « The 2026 Driver Market Analysis »
- F1.com – Official Driver Press Conference Transcripts