Yuki Tsunoda’s Formula 1 future is hanging by a thread. But, at least it looks like we’ll know his fate before the lights go out in Abu Dhabi.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that a final
decision on the team’s 2026 driver lineup will come before the end of the current season, meaning Tsunoda’s next few races could be make-or-break.
For now, all signs point to change. Rookie sensation Isack Hadjar is tipped to step up as Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull next year. And with F2 standout Arvid Lindblad expected to join Racing Bulls, that potentially leaves Tsunoda battling Liam Lawson for the final open seat.
Mekies admitted the team delayed its announcement to keep focus on the current campaign but said the drivers involved deserve clarity soon.
“We don’t think the distraction now is necessary,” he explained. “But yes, the decision will be made before Abu Dhabi. The drivers need to know where they stand.”
For Tsunoda, the timing couldn’t be tougher. After a mixed season that started with promise, his performances have dipped just as others in the Red Bull system have been shining.
And to make matters worse, one of his rumoured backup options just disappeared when Aston Martin confirmed that Jak Crawford will take on their third driver role next season, a position previously linked to Tsunoda due to his ties with Honda.
That doesn’t leave the Japanese driver with many moves left on the board.
As Mekies put it bluntly: “We’re free to choose what we think we need to choose.”
