Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda has revealed that he has split with his former managers after missing out on the 2025 Red Bull Formula 1 seat to Liam Lawson.
The Japanese driver was previously managed by Mario Miyakawa and Luis Alvarez until he left the pair after the 2024 season concluded in December.
Tsunoda was denied a shot at the vacant Red Bull seat, left open by the departure of Sergio Perez, as the Milton Keynes squad opted for his team-mate instead.
Since then, the 24-year-old has reshuffled his management and is now being managed by Diego Menchaca.
The Mexican competed in European single-seaters, including the GP3 Series, now Formula 3, back in 2018 before switching to sportscars.
Menchaca raced in the International GT Open in 2023 and 2024, but this year he will solely focus on managing the Racing Bulls racing driver and Formula 3 talent Noah Stromsted.
“I am not working [with] Mario anymore, and Luis as well,” Tsunoda told Autosport.
“I’m really happy with Diego, he’s motivated, definitely.
“Once we decided to work together, he immediately went to Helmut’s [Marko, Red Bull advisor] office to build a relationship.
“That kind of effort, I really appreciate – and obviously, Helmut did too.
“They already have a good relationship, which is a good start.
“But in the end, the most important thing is to perform on track, which will make Diego’s life easier.”
Tsunoda’s F1 future in doubt beyond 2025
Ahead of the new campaign, Racing Bulls boss Laurent Mekies praised the progress of Tsunoda in 2024 as he expects him to make “another step” this season.
Tsunoda has been with the Faenza-based outfit throughout its recent name changes; AlphaTauri, RB and now Racing Bulls for 2025.
Despite seeing off the likes of Nyck de Vries, Daniel Ricciardo and Lawson, Tsunoda has never been seriously considered to be a main team driver.
It might not be enough for the Sagamihara-born racing driver to beat rookie Hadjar in 2025 in order to secure his future within the Red Bull family.
After Lawson was unveiled as Max Verstappen’s partner for 2025, Horner questioned whether it “makes sense” to keep a hold of Tsunoda if has no real shot at earning himself a promotion.
Options could be limited for him heading into 2026, should he have no seat within the F1 family.
READ MORE: Racing Bulls expecting ‘another step’ from Yuki Tsunoda in F1 2025
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