Yuki Tsunoda has revealed that he was “surprised” by Red Bull’s decision to demote him to a reserve driver role in Formula 1 for 2026.
The Japanese driver will watch from the sidelines from the 2026 season, after Red Bull promoted his former team-mate, Isack Hadjar.
Whilst Tsunoda had been prepared towards the end of the campaign for this outcome, he was left stunned when it was finally confirmed.
Following the Qatar Grand Prix, Tsunoda was informed he would be in a reserve driver role, contrary to what the 25-year-old had heard elsewhere.
“I was told after the race in Qatar, but honestly, it didn’t feel real at first,” Tsunoda explained to DAZN Japan.
“I had prepared myself for that possibility, but the news was different from what I’d heard before, so it took me by surprise.
“I heard that the decision might have been changed just before my briefing.
“There must be a lot of reasons behind it. But when they told me I don’t have a permanent seat next year, it wasn’t like the world collapsed.”
Tsunoda remains focused on his future
Despite the end of a six-year stint in F1, Tsunoda didn’t let the news ruin his outlook on the future.
The Red Bull reserve highlighted that immediately after coming to terms with the news, his focus remained on his future.
“We had Abu Dhabi coming up, so I immediately focused on the next race,” he expanded.
Tsunoda also revealed that stepping away from a full-time F1 seat in 2026 does not mean the end of his motorsport journey for the year.
The 25-year-old hinted at the possibility of a season in a different series next season.
“There’s a chance that it won’t just be simulator and backup duties next year,” Tsunoda revealed. “I’ve already heard a few possible scenarios.”
But for now, Tsunoda is focused on resting from an emotional rollercoaster in 2025 as he hopes to prepare for a different-looking season next year.
“For now, I’ll rest and then start training for next season,” he concluded.
READ MORE – Max Verstappen opens up on Mercedes talks over F1 move
Discussion about this post