The decision has been made: Yuki Tsunoda will race for Red Bull starting from the next Japanese Grand Prix. But why is Red Bull making this move? And why is it the right choice?
The long-awaited and much-discussed news has finally been confirmed: Yuki Tsunoda is officially a Red Bull driver. And it’s happening immediately, starting from the upcoming Japanese GP, scheduled to take place in less than two weeks in Suzuka. Ironically, it all begins at home—Tsunoda’s home—on Japanese soil, where he is (rightfully) the most celebrated driver. This year, even more so, as he embarks on his first real experience at the wheel of a top-tier team.
But how did Tsunoda secure this seat? How did he manage to leapfrog Liam Lawson so quickly? The reasons behind Red Bull’s decision are many, but at the heart of it all lies merit, skill, and the technical prowess he has demonstrated over the years with Visa Cash App RB. As a true team leader and the heir to the departing Pierre Gasly, the Japanese driver has shouldered major responsibilities at Faenza, proving his worth in the most definitive way—first against Daniel Ricciardo, then against Lawson.
Tsunoda to Red Bull: A Reward for Merit or a Forced Choice?
Perez’s departure seemed to open the door for Tsunoda at the end of last season, even more so after Red Bull and Visa Racing Bulls decided to part ways with Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian, whose career had been in decline for years despite past podiums and victories, was let go in September by Milton Keynes, which had been willing to retain him only under the condition of strong results—results that, unfortunately, never materialized. Furthermore, Marko and Horner’s decision not to sign Carlos Sainz, who had been available on the market for months, remains a lingering question.
With these departures now official, Red Bull was left with three choices: follow Mercedes’ approach by promoting young F2 talent Isack Hadjar, give the seat to “rookie” Liam Lawson, or rely on Tsunoda’s four years of experience. The decision to fast-track Lawson to Red Bull ultimately backfired on Milton Keynes, but it may have hurt Lawson even more—his career now faces serious uncertainty.
Why Tsunoda’s Promotion is the Right Move: The 2024 Numbers
Now, the moment belongs to Yuki—a young, bold, and at times abrasive driver in radio communications. Long considered unpopular among Red Bull’s top brass, especially Helmut Marko, Tsunoda has been repeatedly labeled as “a kid who screams and cries.” Perhaps it was this very temperament that delayed his promotion to Milton Keynes.
However, despite past mistakes on track and his fiery personality, Tsunoda’s talent has flourished, particularly in qualifying. In fact, during the 2024 season, he outqualified Ricciardo by a staggering 12-6 margin and went on to dominate Lawson 6-0 in the remaining sessions of the year—proof of his exponential growth.
Even in race conditions, Tsunoda outperformed Lawson. The Japanese driver’s best finish of the season was a 7th place, while Lawson’s highest result was only 9th in the six races he contested. Head-to-head in race results, Tsunoda led Lawson 4-2.
With statistics clearly highlighting his superiority, and despite Helmut Marko’s reservations and Visa RB’s unpredictable strategies, Tsunoda has undoubtedly earned his seat. This time, with little competition standing in his way—but certainly with many regrets over why the move wasn’t made sooner.
Photo: Oracle Red Bull Racing, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team
