Source – Autosports
Tsunoda is still in the running for a Red Bull berth in 2025 even if he was passed up for one this year.
Yuki Tsunoda’s journey in Formula 1 has been a story of growth, perseverance, and undeniable talent. Now in his fourth year in the sport, the young Japanese driver finds himself on the brink of a potential career-defining opportunity—a promotion to the Red Bull Racing team. However, this opportunity comes with a caveat: consistency.
Red Bull CEO Peter Bayer has made it clear that Tsunoda remains very much in the frame for a future seat at Red Bull Racing, but his promotion is contingent on maintaining a consistently high level of performance. This statement comes amid ongoing speculation about the future of current Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, whose recent struggles have put his position under the spotlight. While Perez has been a key player for the team, his recent form has raised questions, leading to discussions about possible replacements.
Back in June, Red Bull announced that Tsunoda would stay with his current team for the 2025 season, a move that provided some stability for the young driver. However, the decision also signaled that Red Bull was not yet ready to elevate him to their main team, opting instead to keep both Perez and Daniel Ricciardo at their respective teams for the foreseeable future. But with Perez’s performance under scrutiny and Ricciardo still re-establishing himself, the spotlight has naturally turned to Tsunoda as a potential future star for Red Bull.
Peter Bayer’s recent comments underscore the importance of consistency in Tsunoda’s quest for a promotion. “Helmut [Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor] said it himself, in German you say a swallow doesn’t make a summer,” Bayer explained, highlighting the need for Tsunoda to prove his worth over time. The message is clear: one or two standout performances won’t be enough; Tsunoda must consistently demonstrate that he can compete at the highest level.
This requirement for consistency is not just about proving himself to Red Bull but also aligns with the team’s broader mission. As Bayer pointed out, Red Bull’s mission, as dictated by its shareholders, is to cultivate talent that can eventually take a seat in the main team. Whether that means giving Tsunoda another season alongside the experienced Daniel Ricciardo or deciding that he is ready to make the leap, the decision will be based on his ability to perform consistently at a high standard.
The prospect of a promotion is undoubtedly enticing for Tsunoda, but it also places significant pressure on the young driver. He is keenly aware that the Red Bull organization has other options, including the promising Liam Lawson. However, Bayer emphasized that Red Bull is not in a hurry to make a decision, despite external pressure. The team has all the options in its hands, and it will carefully weigh them before making any changes to its driver lineup.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has been particularly impressed with Tsunoda’s development this season. Mekies described Tsunoda’s improvement as “phenomenal,” noting that the leap he has made between his third and fourth years in F1 was unexpected. Typically, teams expect significant growth between a driver’s first and second years, and perhaps a bit more between the second and third. But the kind of progress Tsunoda has shown this year has been remarkable, setting him apart as a driver who is not just meeting expectations but exceeding them.
Mekies pointed out that Tsunoda has become a reference point for the team, particularly in his ability to deliver from the very first lap of a race weekend. “Yuki is a Red Bull driver. He must have the ambition to drive for Red Bull Racing,” Mekies stated. This ambition is not just a personal goal for Tsunoda but a necessary mindset for anyone who wants to succeed at Red Bull. The team is known for its high standards and its commitment to winning, and any driver who wants to be a part of it must share that same drive.
The relationship between Tsunoda and his current team has also played a crucial role in his development. Mekies acknowledged that Tsunoda’s extension with the team for another year was a positive step, both for the driver and the team. Tsunoda’s ambition is matched by the team’s, creating a synergy that has allowed him to flourish. The fit between driver and team has been evident in Tsunoda’s performances, which have been described as “incredible.”
As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on Tsunoda to see if he can maintain the consistency that could ultimately earn him a coveted spot at Red Bull Racing. The young driver has shown that he has the talent, the ambition, and the determination to succeed at the highest level of the sport. Now, it’s a matter of proving that he can do it consistently.
Tsunoda’s journey is far from over, and the next chapter could very well see him step up to one of the most prestigious teams in Formula 1. But for now, the focus remains on delivering results, race after race, and proving that he is ready to take on the challenge of competing at the very top.
