Tsunoda, feeling 'nervous,' has 'no regrets' about his move to Red Bull.
"This has been the hardest year of my life."
Yuki Tsunoda acknowledges feeling anxious about his future in Formula 1 as Red Bull continues to postpone their decision regarding drivers for 2026, yet he claims he has no regrets about taking the seat that ultimately concluded Sergio Perez’s tenure with the team. Upon arriving in Las Vegas, the Japanese driver expressed his awareness of the intense pressure he faces. "If I say I’m not nervous, that would be untrue," he stated. Red Bull has not yet clarified whether he will remain with the organization next year.
In a separate conversation with Belgian broadcaster RTBF, Tsunoda remarked that the uncertainty is beyond his control. "As far as I know, a decision hasn’t been reached yet. I must give it my all—that’s the only aspect I can influence. I’m not considering 2026 right now; I'm leaving that to my agent and the team. I’m here to race. My performance will assist Red Bull in making a decision. I believe I’m progressing positively if you assess the last few races."
Tsunoda moved up to Red Bull after Daniel Ricciardo was sidelined and Perez was let go for not keeping up with Max Verstappen, making 2025 the most challenging season of the 24-year-old’s career. "This has been the hardest year of my life," he confessed. "Racing alongside one of the top drivers on the grid and being part of a leading team offers a completely different experience. Previously, I was a team leader, engaged in the car's development. Now I find myself in a new role—I have much to learn, and my teammate is vying for the title, so I need to support the team."
Despite the pressure and the potential career risks of being unfavorably compared to Verstappen, Tsunoda insists that he would make the same decision again. "I have no regrets about joining Red Bull," he declared. "It’s helping me become a better driver and a better individual."
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