Yuki Tsunoda has opened up about feeling nervous about his Red Bull future as the team delays its 2026 Formula 1 driver announcement. The uncertainty around Red Bull’s final seat has intensified discussions about his position ahead of the closing rounds.
Reports suggest Red Bull plans to move Isack Hadjar to the senior team beside Max Verstappen in 2026. Rising youngster Arvid Lindblad is also expected to step into a Racing Bulls seat. This shift leaves Tsunoda and Liam Lawson fighting to remain in the programme.
Red Bull had promised clarity by the end of November but now hints at a final call only after Abu Dhabi. The revised timeline suggests that the team is still debating its long-term driver plan.
Tsunoda Reflects on Pressure Ahead of Season Finale
Tsunoda acknowledged that the wait affects him despite his past experience with similar contract situations.
“If I say I’m not nervous, that would be a lie,” he said in the Las Vegas paddock.
“It’s just a similar situation as last year or even two years ago, so to be honest, I got used to it. That’s part of this Formula 1.
“The good thing is I had experience with that situation a lot of times. I know what I have to do for the next few races. In the end, those decisions I can’t control, right? So, what I can control is to give the performance and give my best. That’s what I enjoy, that’s what I’m here for, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
He added that his mindset shifts quickly once he is in the car. “Obviously, I’m sure there’s some bit of nerves. It’s there, outside of racing especially. But at the same time, one of my strengths is that once I have my helmet on, I just forget everything and am able to enjoy this Vegas scenery.”
Late-Season Push Could Decide His 2026 Future
Tsunoda hopes to deliver points in Las Vegas as Red Bull battles Mercedes for second place in the constructors’ standings. Strong weekends could help strengthen his case for staying.
“There’s still this hope. I’ll do as much as I can in that, whether it’s helping Max or the constructors’. Being as close as possible to Max in qualifying is probably the main thing. That’s what I have to do,” he said.
He also reflected on lost opportunities and the need for cleaner races.
“Mexico was clearly a race that we know it would’ve been points, with a beautiful pit stop. In Brazil it was definitely my fault that in the first lap I hit the front wing. But still, the pace was good. The most important thing is that the team knows it. It’s better than [if] the pace is not there at all. But I know that I also have to step up a little bit more in qualifying.”
With only a few races left, Tsunoda’s performances may determine whether he earns another year under the Red Bull banner.
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