Red Bull’s new recruit Yuki Tsunoda will debut for the team at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. It is Yuki’s home Grand Prix, so expectations are very high. The young Japanese driver has been waiting for this opportunity for years, as he was sidelined for many others. Even last year, his teammate Liam Lawson was preferred over him for the Red Bull seat.
The Austrian energy drink manufacturer team is now in crisis, and they have to find a driver who can bring some light into the team. Over the last two years, the team has relied only on Max Verstappen. The second driver has been a big issue for them, and they have tried to stabilise the team with many talented men.
Sergio Perez gave them some stability for a few years, but last year was a total disaster for him. He was sacked from the team by the end of the year, and Liam Lawson was chosen for the job. The opening two races of the 2025 Formula 1 season proved that Lawson is not the man who can do the job, as he needed more time.
So, Red Bull management made the hardest decision to replace him with Yuki Tsunoda, who was driving for their junior team VCARB for the last few years. Yuki didn't expect this opportunity this much sooner, and he is getting ready to prove himself in front of his home fans in Japan this week.
Watch: Yuki Tsunoda reveal the big promise made by Verstappen
Before that, he spoke to a podcast and shared his experiences talking with the Red Bull management about the potential driver swap. Tsunoda said, “The first call I got was from Christian (Horner). I did meet him in person. I was, anyway, planning to go to Milton Keynes for an RB car simulator, so I heard expectations from him, what he was expecting from myself. Also, what kind of team dynamics they are having.”
Yuki also revealed the expectations that Red Bull keeps on him. Tsunoda added, “They said to be close as much as possible to Max. You know, in the end, Red Bull Racing are focused on Max to score a driver championship. Maybe some races I can help him with his strategy.” The Japanese driver also revealed a huge promise that was made to him during his negotiation talks. He said, “They also promised me in some situations if I’m able to be ahead of Max, he wouldn't necessarily, you know, ask me to swap the position.”
This was the first time Verstappen agreed to become the second driver if there was a situation during the race. He was also aware of the difficulties he would face in a new car and being Max Verstappen's teammate and being able to beat him. But the Japanese driver is still very excited about his challenge. If Yuki Tsunoda finishes the race inside the top 10, it will be a massive success for the team, as the problem was their second driver not scoring enough points.
ALSO WATCH: Red Bull Honda’s iconic White livery for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix
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