While a promotion to Red Bull might seem like a dream move for any young driver, Ralf Schumacher’s warning should not be taken lightly
The unpredictable nature of Red Bull’s driver management, coupled with the team’s current struggles, makes it a risky decision for Tsunoda.
Staying at VCARB, where he has shown strong performance and confidence, might be the smarter choice for now.
Only time will tell how this situation unfolds, but Tsunoda’s decision will be critical in shaping his future in Formula 1.
Yuki Tsunoda’s potential promotion to Red Bull could be a defining moment in his F1 career. The opportunity to race alongside Max Verstappen is both a challenge and an honor, and if given the chance, Tsunoda seems prepared to seize it.
With just a few weeks until the Japanese Grand Prix, the F1 world waits in anticipation for Red Bull’s next move. Will Tsunoda get the call? Only time will tell.
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Yuki Tsunoda’s Potential Red Bull Promotion
A Game-Changer in the 2025 F1 Season
Formula 1 fans are witnessing a whirlwind of driver changes and speculations just two races into the 2025 season.1
The latest buzz surrounds Yuki Tsunoda, the Racing Bulls driver, who is reportedly set to replace Liam Lawson at Red Bull Racing from the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix.
If this move materializes, Tsunoda will line up alongside Max Verstappen, and he has already expressed his confidence, stating that he is mentally prepared to battle the three-time world champion, whom he referred to as a “monster.”
another tough race after starting so well. my front wing failed and we lost the chance to score valuable points
悔しいと残念で終わってしまいましたが最低でも3ポイント取れたのと次戦は待ちに待ったホームグランプリ日本なのでめっちゃ楽しみです！みんなで盛り上げられたらなと思います🔥 pic.twitter.com/Zjl6hg2YFj— 角田裕毅/Yuki Tsunoda (@yukitsunoda07) March 24, 2025
Red Bull’s Unstable Lineup: A Season of Changes
Red Bull Racing’s driver lineup has been a topic of intense debate since the start of the 2025 season.
While Max Verstappen remains the undisputed leader of the team, the second seat has been a revolving door for many aspiring drivers.
Initially, the team placed its faith in Liam Lawson, replacing Sergio Perez for the 2025 season. However, Lawson’s struggles in the opening races have triggered conversations about an immediate replacement.
Liam Lawson, who earned his Red Bull seat after an impressive stint as a reserve driver, has not lived up to expectations. In Melbourne, he crashed in wet conditions, failing to finish the race.
The disappointment continued in China, where he struggled with pace and ultimately finished outside the points.
These back-to-back setbacks have cast doubt on his ability to complement Verstappen and contribute to the team’s success.
Yuki Tsunoda: Who Is He?
A Rising Star Ready for Promotion
While Lawson has struggled, Yuki Tsunoda has had a strong start to the 2025 season.2
The Japanese driver has been competing for Red Bull’s sister team, VCARB (formerly AlphaTauri), since 2021.
In the opening races of the season, he consistently outperformed his teammate, demonstrating his potential to take on a more competitive role.
Tsunoda’s performance in qualifying has been particularly impressive. He made it into Q1 in both Australia and China, proving his ability to extract the most from his car.
While strategic errors by his team cost him crucial points in the races, his raw pace and adaptability have not gone unnoticed.
Tsunoda’s Confidence: “I’m Ready to Fight the Monster”
Amidst the swirling rumors of his promotion, Tsunoda has made it clear that he is prepared to challenge Verstappen if given the opportunity.
Speaking to ViaPlay, Tsunoda said:
“I’m ready to fight that monster.”
This statement reflects not just his competitive spirit but also his belief in his ability to stand alongside one of the most dominant drivers in F1 history. While many drivers may shy away from such a daunting challenge, Tsunoda appears eager to prove himself at the highest level.
Yuki Tsunoda: Red Bull’s Past Driver Decisions
A Cautionary Tale
Red Bull has a history of making swift driver changes when expectations are not met. The team famously demoted Pierre Gasly in 2019 after just half a season, replacing him with Alex Albon.3
Similarly, Albon was replaced by Sergio Perez after struggling in 2020. Given this precedent, it would not be surprising if Red Bull decides to swap Lawson for Tsunoda as early as the Japanese Grand Prix.
Suzuka, Japan, is a track deeply connected to Tsunoda’s career. As the only Japanese driver currently in F1, a promotion at his home race would be a monumental moment, both for him and for Japanese motorsport.
The decision would also serve as a major marketing boost for Red Bull in the Asian market, solidifying Tsunoda’s role as a key figure in F1’s expansion in the region.
Tsunoda vs. Verstappen: Can He Challenge the Champion?
While Tsunoda has shown promise, the prospect of racing alongside Max Verstappen is a daunting one.
Verstappen’s dominance in F1 over the past few years has made him one of the most formidable competitors in the sport’s history.
However, Tsunoda has a fearless driving style and a relentless attitude that could make him a worthy competitor within the team.
It remains to be seen whether Tsunoda will be able to challenge Verstappen directly, but if he can consistently perform at a high level, he could avoid the fate of past Red Bull second drivers who struggled under the pressure.
Red Bull’s goal is clear: to win both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. While Verstappen remains their best bet for individual glory, they need a strong second driver to maximize points in the team standings.
If Tsunoda can deliver better results than Lawson, his promotion would make strategic sense for the team.
The Bigger Picture: Tsunoda’s Long-Term Future
If Tsunoda gets promoted and performs well, he could cement himself as a long-term Red Bull driver.
Given Verstappen’s potential move to another team in the future, Red Bull will need a successor. If Tsunoda proves capable of handling the pressure, he could be groomed as a future team leader.
With the Japanese Grand Prix approaching, all eyes are on Red Bull and their decision regarding the second seat.
Tsunoda’s performances, confidence, and experience make him a logical candidate to replace Lawson. Whether Red Bull pulls the trigger on this change remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Yuki Tsunoda is ready for the challenge.
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Ralf Schumacher Advised Yuki Tsunoda Against Joining Red Bull
Formula 1 is a sport where talent, strategy, and team dynamics play crucial roles in a driver’s career.
In the latest turn of events, Yuki Tsunoda is reportedly being considered for a promotion to Red Bull Racing, replacing Liam Lawson.
However, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has advised Tsunoda against making this move. His perspective sheds light on the ongoing challenges within the Red Bull team and why VCARB might be the better option for the young Japanese driver.
Red Bull’s Struggles in the 2024 Season
Red Bull Racing, a team that has dominated Formula 1 in recent years, is facing unexpected struggles in the 2024 season.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit has been dealing with performance inconsistencies, strategic miscalculations, and internal management conflicts.
The team’s main car has not been performing at the expected level, and with the rising competitiveness of rival teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, Red Bull’s dominance appears to be under threat.
Liam Lawson, who was expected to be a promising asset for Red Bull, has had a tough start in the 2024 season.
Failing to score points in the first two races has raised concerns about his future with the team. This has led to speculations that Red Bull is reconsidering its driver lineup, with Tsunoda emerging as a strong candidate for a potential promotion.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Impressive Performance at VCARB
Currently driving for VCARB, formerly known as AlphaTauri, Yuki Tsunoda has been showcasing exceptional talent and consistency.
He has outperformed his teammate and demonstrated his ability to extract maximum performance from his car.
His adaptability and aggressive driving style have gained him recognition, making him a strong contender for a Red Bull seat.
Ralf Schumacher’s Perspective on the Red Bull Promotion
Ralf Schumacher, a seasoned F1 veteran, has advised Tsunoda against making the switch to Red Bull.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Schumacher emphasized the chaotic state of the Red Bull team, pointing out their frequent driver changes and the unpredictable team environment.
“It’s kind of pure chaos at Red Bull. So not only is the main team too slow, but they also swap the drivers like a charade. I think that’s unbelievable.
If I were Tsunoda’s manager, I wouldn’t recommend him to go there. At the moment, Racing Bulls is the better car, and Tsunoda is getting on really well with it. He can’t do himself any favors with it.”
Schumacher’s remarks highlight the instability at Red Bull, making it an unwise move for Tsunoda at this point in his career.
Yuki Tsunoda: Beach Day
Yuki Tsunoda spent time with his friends at the beach for leisure, relaxation and swimming.
View this post on Instagram
The Uncertainty of Red Bull’s Driver Lineup
One of the key concerns surrounding Red Bull Racing is their approach to managing drivers. Over the past few years, the team has made multiple mid-season driver changes, leading to an unpredictable and often pressured environment.
Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon were both promoted to Red Bull but struggled under immense scrutiny before being demoted.
If Tsunoda joins Red Bull under these circumstances, he might face a similar fate if his performance doesn’t meet the high expectations.
The Benefits of Staying with VCARB
Remaining with VCARB for another season could prove to be a better career move for Tsunoda. Some key benefits include:
- Car Suitability: The VCARB car appears to be well-suited to Tsunoda’s driving style, allowing him to perform at his best.
- Less Pressure: At Red Bull, the expectations are significantly higher, and any slip-ups can result in swift replacements. At VCARB, Tsunoda has more time and space to refine his skills.
- Team Stability: Unlike Red Bull, which frequently changes its drivers, VCARB provides a relatively stable environment, giving Tsunoda a better chance to grow.
Tsunoda is entering the final year of his contract with VCARB, making this season crucial for his future in the sport.
His performance this year will likely determine whether he stays with VCARB, gets promoted to Red Bull, or even attracts interest from other F1 teams.
If he continues to deliver strong results, he might have better opportunities elsewhere in 2026, potentially with a team that offers more stability and a competitive car.
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