Tsunoda aiming for an F1 comeback after selecting a reserve position.

      "In a way, I opted not to compete."

      Yuki Tsunoda stated that he has no regrets about taking on a reserve role in 2026, emphasizing that it was a conscious choice to remain within the Formula 1 paddock. The Japanese driver, speaking to local media at Suzuka, is participating in his home race this weekend not as a racing driver but as a reserve for Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.

      "It's not that I can't race," Tsunoda clarified. "If I wanted to compete, I could have decided to race with another team. In a way, I opted not to race to stay in F1. I don’t feel incapable of racing at all. It was a decision I made with my racing career in mind, so I have no regrets."

      Tsunoda lost his race seat at the conclusion of last season after struggling to keep up with Max Verstappen, while rookie Isack Hadjar is currently impressing alongside the Dutch driver. He shared that his current responsibilities include supporting the team at the track and in the simulator, although duties differ among reserve drivers.

      "For now, I attend the races with the team starting Friday and provide advice," Tsunoda mentioned. "Regarding simulator work, I have the flexibility to decide which days I want to engage in that."

      Despite not racing, Tsunoda asserts that he is in excellent physical condition. "Physically, I believe I’m in the best shape I've ever been," he declared.

      Looking ahead, he made it clear that his goal is to return to racing. "Naturally, I'm quite disappointed that I won't be able to race in front of everyone this year," Tsunoda stated. "Next year, I hope to return to racing with the team I was with previously, but for this year, I’ll enjoy the race as a spectator, alongside everyone else."