Tsunoda vows to work ‘harder than ever’ to return to F1 grid

Yuki Tsunoda isn’t going quietly. After Red Bull confirmed he would lose his race seat for 2026, the Japanese driver has pledged to fight his way back onto the Formula 1 grid – insisting his setback will only fuel him to push “harder than ever”.

Tuesday’s announcement spelled the end of Tsunoda’s five-year run as an F1 race driver, with Red Bull promoting Isack Hadjar to its senior team while 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad steps into Hadjar’s vacated Racing Bulls seat.

With every 2026 race seat already spoken for, Tsunoda is set to spend next season in a test and reserve role with the Milton Keynes and Faenza-based teams. But he made it clear he isn’t done yet.

Incredibly Tough News – But Not the End

On Wednesday, Tsunoda addressed fans for the first time since the decision, admitting the news hit hard.

"Finding out I won’t have a race seat in 2026 was incredibly tough, but I’m determined to work harder than ever with Red Bull as test and reserve driver to develop with the team, and prove I deserve a place on the grid," he posted on his social media accounts.

"Life’s full of setbacks, and this is mine. It’s not going to deter me from being the best F1 driver I can be."

It’s a defiant response from a driver who showed flashes of pace this season but struggled to build momentum.

Since being promoted to replace Sergio Pérez ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Tsunoda scored only 30 points while teammate Max Verstappen carried the title fight into the Abu Dhabi finale.

A Tough Season, but Respect Earned

Tsunoda’s raw speed was never in doubt – he qualified close to Verstappen multiple times in the unforgiving RB21 – but mistakes and misfortune repeatedly stalled his progress. A heavy qualifying crash at Imola proved the most damaging blow, shaking his confidence and leaving him behind on upgrades for months.

Despite the dip in results, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies made a point of praising Tsunoda’s growth and character.

"Through his five seasons so far in Formula 1, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday," Mekies said.

"Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki, his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family. On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far, and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forward."

For now, Tsunoda transitions into a development role – but his message is unmistakable: he plans to come back stronger, hungrier, and ready to reclaim a place on the grid.

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