The Formula 1 world is always a hotbed of emotions, rivalry and high expectations, and the recent statements by Yuki Tsunoda, the Japanese driver of Red Bull Racing, have attracted the attention of fans and analysts. Tsunoda, who has been the teammate of four -time world champion Max Verstappen since the Grand Prix of Japan, expressed his frustration within the team and the unrealistic comparisons with his Dutch colleague. His comments, which he made in the run -up to the Hungarian Grand Prix, fueled a new discussion about the dynamics within Red Bull and the challenges that a second driver is confronted with a dominant figure like Verstappen.
Tsunoda’s switch to Red Bull Racing was a long-awaited step for the 25-year-old driver, who proved his talent for years at the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) sister team. After a disappointing start of the season by Liam Lawson, who rode only two races next to Verstappen, Tsunoda finally got his chance to prove itself in the RB21, the car with which Verstappen still pulls the cart for Red Bull this year. Although the Japanese impressed with his speed and feedback during test sessions, such as those in Abu Dhabi at the end of last year, he has trouble scoring points consistently. His best result so far is a ninth place, while Verstappen is responsible for 185 of the 192 points that Red Bull achieved this season.
The frustration of Tsunoda clearly emerged when he was asked about his performance compared to Verstappen. “It’s not fair to compare us,” he said fiercely. “Max has been driving that car for nine years, while I just stepped in. I don’t always get the same upgrades as he, and if I have to drive his configuration, that’s a disadvantage for me.” These comments suggest that Red Bull does not always offer both drivers the same technical means, a claim that is supported by recent statements from the new team boss Laurent Mekies. Mekies admitted that Tsunoda’s car in some races “lagged behind” a few steps “in terms of upgrades, which partly explains the gap in performance.
The dynamics between Verstappen and his teammates has been a much -discussed subject for years. Drivers such as Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Pérez and Lawson have all struggled to perform in the shadow of Verstappen. The RB21, although one of the fastest cars on the grid, is known for its complex driving behavior, something that Verstappen deals with masterfully. Tsunoda herself admitted that he admires how Verstappen has the car under control, especially with a set-up that is difficult to handle for others. “I tried to follow his adjustment, but that didn’t work for me,” he admitted after the Grand Prix of China. “It’s incredible how he gets it done.”
Yet Tsunoda’s situation is complicated by more than just technical differences. His contract ends at the end of this season, and with the rise of young talents such as Isack Hadjar at VCARB, his position is under pressure. Moreover, Honda, which Tsunoda supported for years through their F1 Dream project, has indicated that the driver must now stand on its own two feet. This makes his struggle for a future in Formula 1 even more urgent. Rumors about a possible switch to Aston Martin, where Honda will deliver engines from 2026, are circulating, but for the time being his focus will remain at Red Bull.
The statements of Tsunoda also shed light on the internal tensions at Red Bull. The team had a turbulent year, with the departure of team boss Christian Horner and speculation about Verstappen’s future. Although Verstappen has confirmed that he will stay with Red Bull in 2026, the question remains who will be his teammate. Tsunoda’s frankness can help him and damage him: it shows his determination, but can also give the impression of dissatisfaction within the team.
For Tsunoda, the key to success is in improving his consistency and utilizing the opportunities he gets. His speed is undisputed, but in a world where details make the difference, he will have to show that he can not only drive alongside Verstappen, but can also shine. The upcoming races, starting with the Belgian Grand Prix, will be crucial for his future at Red Bull and in Formula 1.
