Yuki Tsunoda has conceded that he is “nervous” about his Formula 1 prospects as he awaits Red Bull’s decision on whether he will retain his spot on the grid in 2026.
Tsunoda received his long-awaited promotion to Red Bull’s senior side this season, but, like his predecessors, he has struggled in the seat alongside Max Verstappen.
The expectation is that Isack Hadjar, who has thrived in his debut year, will replace Tsunoda, with Arvid Lindblad braced to take the Frenchman’s place at Racing Bulls.
That would leave a single vacancy with the Faenza-based squad, which is set to be between Tsunoda and ex-team-mate Liam Lawson, who began 2025 with Red Bull.
Red Bull had intended to take a call on both team’s driver line-ups earlier this month when Verstappen’s revitalised title bid prompted its original timeline to be revised.
Tsunoda has admitted that being placed in such a precarious position has been unsettling, but his previous experiences have meant he’s accustomed to the situation.
“If I say I’m not nervous, that would be a lie,” Tsunoda told media including Motorsport Week in Las Vegas.
“It’s just a similar situation as last year or even two years ago, so to be honest, I got used to it. That’s part of this Formula 1.
“The good thing is I had experience with that situation a lot of times. I know what I have to do for the next few races. In the end, those decisions I can’t control, right?
“So, what I can control is to give the performance and give my best. That’s what I enjoy, that’s what I’m here for, so that’s what I’m going to do.
“Obviously, I’m sure there’s some bit of nerves. It’s there, outside of racing especially.
“But at the same time, one of my strengths is that once I have my helmet on, I just forget everything and am able to enjoy this Vegas scenery.”
Tsunoda still harbours Red Bull ‘hope’
Tsunoda has accepted that Red Bull’s extended window has handed him more time to prove his worth, which will be dependent on him closing the gap to Verstappen.
“There’s still this hope. I’ll do as much as I can in that, whether it’s helping Max or the Constructors,” he outlined.
“Being as close as possible to Max in qualifying is probably the main thing. That’s what I have to do.
“Mexico was clearly a race that we know it would’ve been points with a beautiful pitstop. In Brazil it was definitely my fault that in the first lap I hit the front wing.
“But still, the pace was good. The most important thing is that the team knows it. It’s better than [if] the pace is not there at all.
“But I know that I also have to step up a little bit more in qualifying.”
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