Yuki Tsunoda has enjoyed a solid start to life as a Red Bull driver and may have his eyes set on a long-term berth with the team.
He has already proven after just three races that picking him over Liam Lawson was the right choice, especially after scoring his first points at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
His experience should have upside for the 2026 F1 regulations too, with feedback going towards the development of future Red Bull machines.
While Tsunoda is unlikely to ever be on Verstappen’s level, he can still cause problems for their rivals at the front. With more time, he could be a very dependable driver.
Not everyone agrees that the Japanese driver needs time, with Jaimie Alguersuari telling Tsunoda to ‘wake up’ after a poor qualifying in Saudi Arabia.
Even team boss Christian Horner is ‘very happy’ with Tsunoda and his attitude towards his new role at the senior team.
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Franz Tost tells Yuki Tsunoda to improve his tyre management at Red Bull
At some stage this season, Tsunoda will be hoping to secure a maiden Formula 1 podium, considering that his teammate seems to be on it at almost every event.
However, an old boss of his has already spotted a weakness that he needs to work on, especially if he is to remain with Red Bull beyond 2025.
Franz Tost believes that Tsunoda needs to work on getting more comfortable in the car, including one area which could make him quicker during races.
“Fairly acceptable. Qualifying was quite good, but he needs to be more aggressive in the race,” he said. “But of course, we mustn’t forget that he still needs to get to know the car better.
“Especially in the area of tyre management, which is crucial for the races. He still needs time there.”
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Is Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull’s best option for a 2026 F1 seat?
Red Bull have the Formula 1 driver market at their disposal when it comes to picking a driver to put alongside the current reigning champion in 2026.
However, changing their minds once again would be a bad look for them. Maybe it’s time that they stuck with their choice and placed some faith in Tsunoda.
There are few uncontracted drivers at the end of the current campaign, and George Russell being the most notable of them, is unlikely to leave a factory setup.
Arvid Lindblad is too young and raw to be promoted just yet, he needs some time in a car like the Visa Cash App RB before being thrown to the wolves.
That leaves Tsunoda as potentially the best option – a driver who should only get better with every weekend in the car.
