Tsunoda Warns of Consequences if Red Bull F1 Form Doesn’t Improve

Yuki Tsunoda is facing a critical point in his Formula 1 season as he prepares for the Canadian Grand Prix. Since joining Red Bull after the Chinese Grand Prix in April 2025, Tsunoda has yet to finish higher than ninth place.

The 24-year-old Japanese driver admitted this week that he is fully aware of the pressure on his seat and understands the consequences if he cannot deliver improved results soon.

Tsunoda described the Montreal race as a possible “reset” and believes the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve might help him regain confidence with the RB21, a car that has been challenging for him since his arrival at the main Red Bull team.

Tsunoda’s promotion from RB to Red Bull Racing came after a strong showing at his home race in Suzuka. Despite initial promise and impressive single-lap pace compared to teammate Liam Lawson, Tsunoda’s race results have not matched expectations.

Red Bull management has been patient, mindful of their public criticism concerning the handling of previous drivers, and even allowed Tsunoda extra track time in the RB19 after the Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona. This effort aimed to help Tsunoda better understand the differences in handling between last year’s championship-winning car and the current RB21 model.

The driver has been working closely with engineers at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes factory, seeking to adapt his driving style and find better balance in the car.

Tsunoda acknowledged that consistency is still lacking, but he remains positive about the progress.

He said that there are “some ideas” he hopes to implement, although he did not specify which areas he was targeting for improvement. The recent running in the RB19, as well as a tire test for Pirelli’s planned 2026 compounds, provided him with additional feedback and comparison points, with Tsunoda noting small but meaningful distinctions between the two car generations.

Red Bull has not given any formal indication that Tsunoda’s seat is in immediate jeopardy, but the company is known for making tough mid-season choices. The seat next to three-time world champion Max Verstappen is one of the most closely watched in Formula 1, and speculation continues about possible changes.

Tsunoda acknowledged talk about the “second seat” but maintained his focus remains on improving his own performance rather than the rumors. As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, Tsunoda sits outside the top ten in the drivers’ standings.

With nine races left in the 2025 season before the summer break, every result will be important for his future with Red Bull Racing. Tsunoda believes he is slowly getting more comfortable in the car and insists there is still time to show meaningful progress on track.

The next few races, starting with Montreal, will be critical in determining whether he can secure his place with the team for the remainder of the year. Red Bull’s leadership, including advisor Helmut Marko and team principal Christian Horner, has expressed cautious optimism about Tsunoda’s ongoing adjustment.

However, performance in key races and the ability to adapt quickly remain central to Tsunoda’s staying power. The paddock will be closely watching to see if the Canadian Grand Prix delivers the reset Tsunoda is hoping for, especially as other teams prepare their own developments ahead of summer, similar to McLaren’s recent updates on their front wing.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.