Japanese Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda is likely to part ways with Red Bull at the end of the 2025 season. Tsunoda has been part of the Red Bull family since 2021, racing for their junior team Racing Bulls (known over the years as AlphaTauri, then Visa Cash App RB). In 2025, he was finally promoted to the main Red Bull Racing team alongside Max Verstappen, but it now seems this will be his final season with the organization. 

A Career Built with Honda and Red Bull 

Yuki Tsunoda’s rise in Formula 1 was closely tied to Honda, the Japanese engine manufacturer that partnered with Red Bull. Honda supported Tsunoda from his junior racing days and helped him get into F1 with Red Bull’s junior team. 

Yuki Tsunoda spent four seasons in Red Bull’s second team (AlphaTauri, which became Racing Bulls) in (2021-2024). Tsunoda raced in Red Bull’s second team. He showed flashes of speed and strong racecraft but often struggled with consistency and emotional control on the radio. Despite this, he remained a fan favorite for his honest personality and fighting spirit. 

The Big Chance – But It Didn’t Work Out 

In early 2025, after just two races, Red Bull made a bold move by promoting Tsunoda to their main team, replacing Liam Lawson. Red Bull bosses said Tsunoda had matured and deserved a chance at the top level. It was also reported that Honda supported this promotion with extra financial backing. 

However, Tsunoda hasn’t performed as expected. He has scored only 10 points so far, while his teammate Max Verstappen continues to dominate. Since his promotion to Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda has struggled to find consistent form. At the same time, other young drivers like Isack Hadjar have shown better results in the junior team. 

What Red Bull Said 

Red Bull officials had earlier stated that Tsunoda would finish the season, even if results were poor. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed: “Yuki Tsunoda will finish the 2025 season.” 

But beyond that, there has been no promise. Former team principal Christian Horner made it clear that keeping Tsunoda beyond 2025 isn’t likely, especially with Honda leaving Red Bull at the end of the season. 

What’s Next for Tsunoda? 

With his Red Bull future almost over, Tsunoda now faces an important career decision. He recently changed his management team, possibly to explore other options in Formula 1 or other racing series.

Honda is also joining forces with Aston Martin from 2026, and there’s a small chance they could help Tsunoda get a seat there. But nothing is confirmed yet.  Tsunoda’s fans hope that he’ll continue in F1, either with a midfield team or as a reserve driver. His natural speed and experience could still be valuable, even if it’s outside the Red Bull family. 

In Summary 

  • Yuki Tsunoda is expected to leave Red Bull after the 2025 season. 
  • He was promoted to the main team in 2025 but has struggled to match Max Verstappen. 
  • Red Bull officials confirmed he will complete the season but not continue beyond it.
  • Honda, his longtime supporter, is leaving Red Bull after 2025. 
  • Tsunoda’s next move in Formula 1 is uncertain, but he is exploring new opportunities.

Conclusion

Yuki Tsunoda’s journey with Red Bull is likely coming to an end, but his F1 career may not be over. He still has talent and experience that other teams might value. The 2025 season could be his final chance to prove that he belongs on the Formula 1 grid in the future. 

Written by Kinjal Walantra