Yuki Tsunoda’s ascent to the Red Bull Formula 1 team was anticipated as a pivotal moment in his racing career, yet it quickly turned into a bittersweet chapter that left him with lingering regrets. The Japanese driver, who had spent four challenging seasons at the Faenza-based squad, finally achieved the coveted promotion to the full Red Bull team in 2025. However, the dream did not unfold as he had envisioned, leading him to reflect on what he left behind—a “pretty good f***ing car” that he helped develop.
Tsunoda’s tenure with Red Bull was marred by struggles to keep pace with the formidable Max Verstappen in the RB21, ultimately culminating in his demotion to a test and reserve role as rookie Isack Hadjar took his place. This shift not only stripped Tsunoda of his competitive seat for the 2026 season but also forced him to confront the emotional toll of abandoning a car that bore his mark. “The only regret I have is like missing out that pretty good f***ing car in VCARB,” he expressed, revealing the depth of his attachment to the vehicle. “It’s the car that I developed with the team throughout the years…and I’m sure there’s my DNA inside as well.”
The loss of the VCARB-02, a product of Tsunoda’s relentless effort and collaboration with his team, weighs heavily on him. Reflecting on the development journey, he lamented, “It’s like throwing away your kids.” This sentiment underscores the connection drivers often have with their machines, especially when they’ve invested so much of their identity into them.
Amidst the regret, Tsunoda also pointed to a pivotal incident during his Red Bull stint—the crash during Q1 at Imola—as a turning point that stung with frustration. While Verstappen received timely upgrades to the RB21, Tsunoda found himself at a disadvantage, receiving improvements only later in the season. He admitted that the incident at Imola set him back, but he maintained a sense of pride in his performance when conditions were equal. “When all parts and cars were equal, I was able to get much closer to [Verstappen],” he noted.
Despite the setbacks, Tsunoda remains resolute about his growth throughout the season. “If you just look at the performance… I can’t remember the last time I was behind him four tenths of a half, five tenths of a half,” he said, confidently asserting that he could compete fiercely with Verstappen when given the same equipment. He acknowledged Verstappen’s prowess as the best in the field, yet he couldn’t help but feel satisfaction in how rapidly he adapted and improved.
As Tsunoda reflects on his tumultuous journey through F1, he recognizes the fierce competition that defines the sport today. He is determined to leverage his experiences and lessons learned as he continues to navigate his career in motorsport, ready to seize future opportunities that come his way. The tightest racing field in history has only fueled his ambition, and while he mourns the loss of the VCARB-02, he looks ahead with hope and determination.
