F1 NEW’S , Yuki Tsunoda Left with ‘Mixed Feelings’ After Red Bull Debut at Japanese Grand…Read more
- Yuki Tsunoda Left with ‘Mixed Feelings’ After Red Bull Debut at Japanese Grand
Yuki Tsunoda’s long-anticipated debut for Red Bull Racing at the Japanese Grand Prix brought a wave of emotions for the 24-year-old driver, who called the experience “really emotional” but admitted to having “mixed feelings” about the final result.
Tsunoda, who was promoted from the Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) ahead of the Suzuka race, had the honor of making his first appearance for Red Bull’s senior team on home soil. The move followed Red Bull’s decision to part ways with Liam Lawson after just two races in the 2025 season, with team bosses Christian Horner and Helmut Marko seeking stronger performances from their second driver.
Despite the excitement surrounding his promotion, Tsunoda finished the race in 12th place, just outside the points. Speaking after the event, he reflected on the moment: “It was a dream come true to be racing in Suzuka with Red Bull. I used to come here as a kid, watching the drivers from the stands. Being out there today, in front of all the Japanese fans, meant the world to me.”
However, the weekend wasn’t all celebration. Tsunoda admitted the result was disappointing, especially given the performance gap between him and teammate Max Verstappen, who claimed a dominant victory—his fourth consecutive win at the Japanese Grand Prix and the 64th of his career.
“Of course I wanted to score points and show more,” Tsunoda said. “The car felt good in places, but I wasn’t able to put everything together. There’s a lot to learn from this weekend, and I’m motivated to come back stronger.”
Team principal Christian Horner praised Tsunoda’s effort, stating: “It’s a big moment for any driver to debut for Red Bull at their home race. Yuki handled the pressure well. There’s room to grow, but we’re encouraged by what we saw.”
Tsunoda’s ascent to Red Bull comes after several seasons with their sister team and a long-standing association with Honda, Red Bull’s engine supplier. His connection to the Japanese manufacturer, along with his passionate fan base, made his debut a major talking point throughout the weekend. The grandstands at Suzuka were filled with fans waving Japanese flags and cheering for their homegrown talent, even as Verstappen once again stole the spotlight with a near-flawless drive.
Still, Tsunoda’s move to Red Bull hasn’t been without its challenges. In the past, he had voiced frustrations over being overlooked for promotion, especially during moments when the team experimented with other driver lineups. Now that the opportunity has finally arrived, the pressure is on to prove that he belongs in one of the most competitive seats on the grid.
Looking ahead, Tsunoda is focused on improvement. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “I know what’s expected of me now, and I’ll do everything I can to rise to the challenge. I’m grateful for the chance, and I want to repay the team’s trust.”
Tsunoda will next have the chance to demonstrate his abilities at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where both Red Bull drivers will be expected to deliver strong performances in the fight for the Constructors’ Championship. With the backing of Honda, Red Bull, and an entire nation, Tsunoda’s journey is only just getting started.
