Yuki Tsunoda is still “motivated” to prove his worth to Red Bull, despite missing out on “easy” points in the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.
Tsunoda had been racking in the points with three top 10 finishes in the last five races before coming to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
His confidence in the RB21 appeared to have been elevated since getting the floor updates that team-mate Max Verstappen had fitted earlier in the season.
That said, despite lapping within three-tenths of the Dutchman during the second phase of qualifying on Saturday, Tsunoda failed to make it into Q3.
Carlos Sainz’s impending five-place grid drop carried forward from Austin, however, meant that the Japanese driver started the 71-lap race from 10th.
In fact, Tsunoda gained two places at the start, crucially holding up Oscar Piastri until the Australian finally made a move on the main straight on Lap 11.
From there onwards, an extended opening stint and a sluggish 12-second pit-stop put paid to Tsunoda’s points prospects, seeing him come home in 11th.
“Yeah, points was easy possible today, probably around P6, P7. So, we just throw away the points from the places which I couldn’t control,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“But yeah, I think, to be honest, what I’ve done was pretty good.
“I’ve just lost the points. Yeah, those points with the area I can’t control. So, very frustrating.”
Despite his frustrations, Tsunoda could see the silver lining in the cloud as he surmised his pace was on par with podium-sitter Verstappen, who recovered to third.
“Yeah, I mean, first thing especially, I was not too far from Max. I was lapping pretty much the same. So, yeah,” he added.
“Like I said, he ended up P3 and I was not that far away in the first place.
“So, what I’ve done today was I think it’s good and probably one of the best pace I’ve shown in Red Bull in [terms of] long run [pace].
“But just not being able to see the result which was [a] shame.”
Tsunoda is motivated to retain 2026 seat
Going into the final four races of the season, Red Bull still hasn’t dropped a vote of confidence in favour of the 25-year-old.
Yet, Tsunoda was bullish about his aspirations to continue racing for the six-time Constructors’ Champions in 2026 and beyond.
His recent run of form, he hopes, would be enough to advocate for a place for him within the team as a massive regulation change comes knocking.
“I think until today, especially today, I have confidence that I’ve maximised the things I can control,” he surmised.
“The pace, everything and the start. And the points today was easy, like I said, possible.
“So, yeah. Hopefully, they [Red Bull] consider that. But also, let’s see. It’s up to them. But I’ll just keep pushing where I can control. Let’s see.”
When asked whether this keeps him in contention for some strong results in the final phase of the season, he replied: “I’m always motivated.”
READ MORE — Why Red Bull has delayed decision on 2026 F1 driver line-up
Discussion about this post