A move to Red Bull has been suggested for Yuki Tsunoda, given Sergio Perez’s ongoing difficulties with the Milton Keynes-based team.
As rumors swirl around Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda has emerged as a potential candidate to step into the coveted seat. The Japanese driver, who has been with Red Bull’s sister team since 2021, addressed the speculation with confidence and composure.
Sergio Perez began the season strong but has since experienced a significant dip in form, scoring only 15 points in the last six races. This decline has fueled talk of possible contract clauses being activated that could lead to Perez’s departure. Amid this uncertainty, Tsunoda’s name has been frequently mentioned as a possible replacement for the Mexican driver.
While Red Bull has already confirmed Tsunoda for the 2024 season, it’s widely believed that he would be allowed to join the senior team if called upon. Speaking to the media, Tsunoda conveyed his readiness to compete at the highest level. “If I’m not ready then I wouldn’t have been able to announce the next stint even at VCARB. I’m feeling ready to fight against the top teams, higher positions and even Max [Verstappen],” he stated.
Despite the speculation, Tsunoda remains focused on his current duties and the immediate challenges ahead. “In the end, they [Red Bull] are the ones that are going to decide and it’s one of the things I can’t control. I’m just focusing on what I have to do in the next two races, Haas is getting really close, so I have to stay focused with our team.”
One clause in Perez’s contract reportedly hinges on his performance relative to teammate Max Verstappen. Perez needs to be within 100 points of Verstappen before the summer break, starting after the Belgian Grand Prix. Currently, Perez trails Verstappen by 137 points, which puts his future with Red Bull in a precarious position.
Tsunoda, however, emphasized that Red Bull is not hastily making decisions regarding their driver lineup. “They’re not really rushing it, Checo was also announced [for 2025] two races before or a race before,” Tsunoda remarked. “Checo might perform really well and if the driver is performing well, they don’t have a reason to change drivers. In the end, all they’re doing, for sure it’s a good thing for Checo because they don’t want to create any pressure.”
He added, “That’s fair and also from myself, they want me to focus on what I’m doing right now.”
As the Formula 1 season progresses, all eyes will be on Perez’s performance and whether Tsunoda will get the nod for a promotion. For now, Tsunoda remains committed to his current team, prepared to seize any opportunity that comes his way.
