Christian Horner signals potential Red Bull departure for Yuki Tsunoda post-2025
Red Bull Racing on the verge of major line-up changes post-2025
Yuki Tsunoda faces an uncertain future with Red Bull. The 24-year-old driver, who will be representing Racing Bulls in the upcoming season, appears to be on the last stretch of his journey with the team, formerly known as AlphaTauri.
On Friday, a significant reshuffle was announced by Red Bull, including the elevation of 20-year-old Isack Hadjar to Tsunoda's teammate. The Frenchman steps into the role vacated by Liam Lawson, who is set to join four-time champion Max Verstappen at the premier Red Bull team. This move comes after Mexican driver Sergio Pérez was dropped.
Tsunoda, about to embark on his fifth year with the Italian-based Racing Bulls, maintains a strong connection with Red Bull's engine partner, Honda. However, with Honda scheduled to depart from Red Bull at the end of 2025 to collaborate with Aston Martin, Tsunoda's position becomes even more tenuous.
"We're acutely aware that if we're not able to provide an opportunity for Yuki [at Red Bull] in all honesty this year, does it [keeping him on] make sense?" remarked Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. "You can't have a driver in the support team for five years. You can't always be the bridesmaid. You've either got to let them go at that point or look at something different."
Horner shared that he had a candid conversation with Tsunoda, currently enjoying some downtime in Japan, about his expectations for the coming season. "I think he's very determined. He knows that things change very quickly," Horner noted. "Who would have thought nine months ago that we'd be sitting here talking about Liam Lawson being our driver for 2025? Things change quickly in this industry and he's aware of that and he knows that he needs to be the one demonstrating that he's the one knocking on the door."
The Racing Bulls team, a consistent feeder for Red Bull's main Milton Keynes squad, has been the launchpad for several Formula 1 stars. Notable alumni include four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, as well as race winners Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, and Carlos Sainz.
Adding to the depth of young talent, Hadjar's appointment reflects Red Bull's commitment to nurturing new prospects. Another promising driver, Arvid Lindblad, is also on the horizon. The 17-year-old, holding both British and Swedish nationality, impressed during his rookie Formula 3 season, particularly with a Silverstone double win.
Read next ❯ Ferrari to reveal Hamilton's debut F1 car on February 19 at MaranelloLindblad is yet to secure a super-licence but will work towards gaining the necessary points in New Zealand early next year. A full-season in Formula 2 could position him for a promotion into Formula 1 by 2026, potentially at Tsunoda's expense.
Red Bull's strategy of cultivating young talent continues to shape its future, leaving seasoned drivers like Tsunoda with the pressing challenge to prove their worth or face the prospect of moving on.
