Yuki Tsunoda's F1 Career Comes To An End, What's Next?

If you thought Yuki Tsunoda’s rollercoaster ride with Red Bull was just another F1 plot twist, buckle up, because this one’s got a dramatic finale. After five wild seasons on the grid, the Japanese firecracker’s full-time racing days in Formula 1 are officially done at the end of 2025. It’s a bittersweet end to a career packed with raw talent, fiery starts, and those heartbreaking “what if” moments that kept fans hooked.

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Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull Exit

Yuki Tsunoda burst onto the scene in 2021 with AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls), delivering podium teases and that infectious energy everyone loves. Fast forward to 2025: a strong start at Racing Bulls alongside rookie Isack Hadjar earned him a shock promotion to Red Bull from the Japanese Grand Prix, thanks to Honda’s €10 million push and Liam Lawson’s early struggles. Teaming with Max Verstappen? Dream come true, or nightmare fuel.

But the “Mad Max” pressure cooker proved too hot. Yuki Tsunoda’s debut was solid (P12 in Japan), and he even outqualified Verstappen in Qatar Sprint quals. Yet, a killer crash at Imola wrecked his momentum, dropping from top-10 grids to Q1 exits and lagging specs behind Max.

In 22 races as teammates, Max racked up 360 points to Yuki’s measly 30-something, with peaks like P6 in Baku fading fast. Red Bull pulled the plug for 2026: Isack Hadjar joins Max at the senior team, Arvid Lindblad pairs Lawson at Racing Bulls. Laurent Mekies praised Yuki’s “infectious personality” and racecraft, but consistency won out.

What’s Next for Him

No full-time seat, but Yuki Tsunoda’s not vanishing into the dark; he’s locked in as Red Bull’s test and reserve driver. That means simulator grind, standby for any of the four race seats (Verstappen, Hadjar, Lawson, Lindblad), and testing the 2026 regs. Honda ties keep him in the family orbit, and at 25, this isn’t retirement; it’s a launchpad. Could be prepping for IndyCar or Hypercar stints, or for a shock F1 return if someone falters.

Tsunoda’s F1 chapter closes with 33 career points and a legion of fans chanting his name, but his hustle screams “unfinished business.” Stay tuned as this Japanese driver might just pit-stop his way back to the spotlight. See you at the test sessions!

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