F1 update:Christian Horner drops Red Bull exit BOMBSHELL……read more
Christian Horner drops Red Bull exit BOMBSHELL……read more
Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has sparked speculation regarding the future of one of the team’s drivers, Yuki Tsunoda. Horner’s comments come amid a busy week of driver changes within Red Bull’s stable, with Liam Lawson replacing Sergio Perez in the main team, and Isack Hadjar being announced as Lawson’s replacement at VCARB (the team’s junior team). Hadjar’s promotion signals a shift in the team’s plans for the 2025 season, as he will join Tsunoda at VCARB.
Tsunoda, who has spent the past few seasons with the junior team, has consistently delivered solid performances, outshining his teammates, including Nyck de Vries, Daniel Ricciardo, and Lawson. Despite his impressive record at VCARB, Tsunoda has yet to earn a seat in the Red Bull main team. This leaves him in a difficult situation, as he could be expected to compete for a promotion, but he faces stiff competition, especially with the rising talent of Isack Hadjar.
Red Bull’s decisions regarding driver lineups have become increasingly important, as the team aims to maintain its dominance in Formula 1, particularly with Max Verstappen’s continued success. Tsunoda, who has been with VCARB for several years, is approaching the point where he may no longer be seen as a potential candidate for a promotion to the main team. This is especially true as Hadjar’s arrival further complicates Tsunoda’s chances of staying at Red Bull.
Horner acknowledged that the team has a responsibility to assess Tsunoda’s future, particularly if the Japanese driver does not secure a spot in the main team for the 2025 season. He pointed out that it would not make sense for Tsunoda to remain in the junior team for a fifth season without any clear prospects of moving up. In a candid statement, Horner explained, “You can’t have a driver in the support team for five years. You can’t always be the bridesmaid.” He further added, “You’ve either got to let them go at that point or look at something different.”
These comments indicate that Red Bull may be preparing to part ways with Tsunoda if he doesn’t earn a place in the main team next year. The implication is that the team could either release him or look for alternative opportunities, potentially outside of Red Bull. This would mark a significant shift in Tsunoda’s career, which had once been seen as promising due to his potential to eventually join Red Bull’s senior team.
Tsunoda’s future now hinges on his performances over the next year, as well as Red Bull’s evolving driver strategy. The emergence of new talents like Hadjar and the presence of established stars like Verstappen further complicate Tsunoda’s position. While he has shown considerable skill at VCARB, the clock may be ticking for him to secure his place at the top level of Red Bull Racing.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Tsunoda’s ability to prove himself worthy of a promotion. Horner’s words serve as a warning to the young driver that if Red Bull does not see a clear path to the main team, his time at the junior squad may be coming to an end. This potential exit could mark the end of an era for Tsunoda at Red Bull, forcing him to seek new opportunities elsewhere in the world of Formula 1.