Tsunoda dismisses reserve concept following Qatar advantage.

      Yuki Tsunoda has expressed that he does not plan to spend 2026 on the sidelines, particularly after achieving one of the most significant qualifying results of his Formula 1 career. The Japanese driver impressed by securing P5 in Qatar's sprint qualifying, marking the first time he has outqualified Max Verstappen, during a weekend when Red Bull is close to finalizing its delayed 2026 lineups.

      As Red Bull and Racing Bulls manage four candidates for three seats—Tsunoda, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, and up-and-coming talent Arvid Lindblad—the timing is favorable for the 25-year-old. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane acknowledged that the internal situation is not completely resolved: "I have an idea, but it’s not really finalized yet."

      Tsunoda is vying for either a spot alongside Verstappen in his current Red Bull seat or a return to Racing Bulls. "I know something, but obviously I can’t share it," he remarked. "Most people probably already have their guesses. I have no idea what will happen next."

      Regarding the possibility of becoming a reserve driver—either at Red Bull or switching to Aston Martin with his backer Honda—he was straightforward: "Honestly, I haven’t even thought about something like that. I don’t know, but I’m not planning anything like that."

      Sky Germany analyst Ralf Schumacher believes that Friday’s result will likely not alter Tsunoda's situation. "I think it’s relatively clear what will happen with Tsunoda," he stated. "At least I strongly presume so. There was absolutely no indication of anything going in another direction."

      Schumacher believes Racing Bulls will retain Lawson as a benchmark for 18-year-old Lindblad next year. "You need a reliable driver who knows the team since everything will change next year. That clearly indicates - Tsunoda out, Hadjar moving to Red Bull, and Arvid Lindblad taking over at Racing Bulls."

      Dr. Helmut Marko, however, continues to appreciate Tsunoda's advancement. "If you look back at Las Vegas, Yuki was already very close to Max, but we picked the wrong tire pressure which ruined his weekend," he noted. "His speed has consistently improved. He is enhancing his performance and paying more attention to the technical aspects."

      Red Bull is anticipated to announce its 2026 lineups shortly after the Qatar GP on Sunday.