Yuki Tsunoda is fighting for his future in Formula 1 as Red Bull weigh up their options for 2026.
The Japanese driver finally got his chance at Red Bull when he replaced Liam Lawson after two races in 2025. But like his predecessors, Tsunoda has struggled to perform in the second car next to Max Verstappen.
Regular Q1 exits and non-points finishes have put the 25-year-old at risk of losing his seat. Tsunoda is out of contract in 2025, and Red Bull may have already decided his fate.
| DRIVER | TEAM |
| Franco Colapinto | Alpine* |
| George Russell | Mercedes |
| Andrea Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls |
| Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull |
*Franco Colapinto on a race-by-race contract
The general feeling is that Isack Hadjar will replace Tsunoda at Red Bull in 2026. The rookie has hugely impressed the team’s hierarchy at Racing Bulls this season, scoring his maiden F1 podium at Zandvoort.
But the Milton Keynes outfit are yet to confirm their line-up, with Tsunoda pleading with fans to keep supporting him as he hopes to stay with the team. However, he faces the likely prospect of leaving Red Bull.
Yuki Tsunoda is ’emerging’ as an option for Aston Martin reserve driver in his ‘last shot’ in F1
Tsunoda has been linked with Alpine in recent weeks, with the Enstone outfit having a seat available for 2026. Pierre Gasly wants Alpine to sign Tsunoda, having worked alongside him at AlphaTauri.
Aston Martin have been another team commonly mentioned with the Japanese driver. Honda, his personal sponsor, will split with Red Bull in 2026 and join forces with the Silverstone outfit as their engine supplier under the new regulations.
| TEAM | ENGINE |
| Red Bull | Red Bull Powertrains (in partnership with Ford) |
| Ferrari | Ferrari |
| McLaren | Mercedes |
| Mercedes | Mercedes |
| Aston Martin | Honda |
| Racing Bulls | Red Bull Powertrains (in partnership with Ford) |
| Haas | Ferrari |
| Williams | Mercedes |
| Alpine | Mercedes |
| Audi | Audi |
| Cadillac | Ferrari |
Given the connections and with former Red Bull designer Adrian Newey on board, many have pointed Tsunoda to a move to Aston Martin. However, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll both have contracts until 2026.
He faces the prospect of falling off the grid entirely. According to journalist Jorge Peiro, Tsunoda is now ’emerging’ as an option for the team as a reserve driver, in what would be his ‘last shot’ in F1 if Red Bull decide to part ways.
“He wrote via X (formerly Twitter): “Aston will announce its full driver lineup for 2026 “in due course”. Last week, Drugovich’s departure to Andretti Formula E was announced, and Tsunoda is emerging as a contender to be a reserve driver.
“The Japanese driver could lose his seat to Hadjar, and Honda is his last shot.” Peiro also reported that Aston Martin are set to retain Stoffel Vandoorne and Jak Crawford as reserve drivers, while Daniel Juncadella will continue his work in the simulator
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How Yuki Tsunoda could stay with the Red Bull family at Racing Bulls
With his chances of staying at Red Bull being slim, Racing Bulls have not ruled out a return for Tsunoda. The Faenza outfit are also yet to decide on their driver pairing for 2026.
With Hadjar set for a promotion, there would be a seat available for the 25-year-old, as Lawson is ‘strengthening’ his case to stay at Racing Bulls. However, Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad is being tipped for an F1 seat next season, putting Tsunoda under more pressure.
Honda could help Tsunoda secure a Racing Bulls seat, as, while they are leaving Red Bull, they are set to stay as his sponsor. This is believed to strengthen his chances of staying with the family.
Ted Kravitz says Tsunoda will ‘probably’ be at Racing Bulls in 2026. His recent form, consisting of P6 in Baku – his best result for Red Bull – could be his saving grace.