Yuki Tsunoda poised for Red Bull test as RB boss touts him for major leap in F1

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

In a significant vote of confidence, Yuki Tsunoda's progress in Formula 1 has caught the eye of his team leadership at Red Bull Racing's sister team, with RB boss Laurent Mekies signaling that the Japanese driver is now ready for "a faster car and a bigger team." This revelation came during an announcement that Tsunoda is slated for an upcoming post-season test with Red Bull Racing, a team that has maintained a historically cautious stance toward his character.

Mekies lavished praise on Tsunoda's development over the season, a growth that has seemingly outpaced all expectations. "I think he has made a step this season that nobody could forecast and it's something he should be proud of," Mekies remarked, highlighting the importance of nurturing talent within the team's ranks to catch the eye of the flagship Red Bull Racing team.

This forthcoming test represents a pivotal moment for Tsunoda, hinting at a potential reshuffling at Red Bull where he might step in to fill the shoes of Sergio Pérez. It's a testament to the young driver's resilience and performance, having contributed a substantial 30 points to RB's seasonal haul, underscoring his critical role in the team's dynamics post-Daniel Ricciardo's departure.

Tsunoda's journey hasn't been without its hurdles, but recent showings, including a remarkable third-place qualification in Brazil followed by a seventh-place slot in Las Vegas, have solidified his standing as a formidable competitor on the track.

While Liam Lawson, another talent within the Red Bull hierarchy, awaits clarity on his positioning for 2025, the spotlight remains firmly on Tsunoda. Mekies's endorsement reflects a broader expectation that Tsunoda's continuous high-level performance could forcibly shift perspectives within the notoriously competitive F1 landscape.

"We are in a business where everybody looks at the results and the second a driver starts to perform or to outperform compared to the expectations, then everybody will then change their opinions very, very fast," Mekies elucidated, pinpointing the mercurial nature of F1's evaluative dynamics.

As the F1 season winds down, Tsunoda finds himself at a career inflection point, with the upcoming test serving as a significant barometer for his future in the fast lane. With the backing of his current team and a potentially transformative opportunity with Red Bull Racing on the horizon, the Japanese driver's next moves will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike.

Up Next