Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull Challenge at Home Japanese GP

Yuki Tsunoda is taking on what`s known as the `toughest seat in Formula 1` – being Max Verstappen`s teammate at Red Bull.

After Liam Lawson`s brief stint, Tsunoda steps into the second Red Bull car starting from his home race at Suzuka this weekend.

This promotion is Tsunoda`s chance to demonstrate that he`s ready to compete at the front of Formula 1.

For Red Bull, this driver change is a chance to see if they`ve made the right decision by bringing in Tsunoda as Sergio Perez`s replacement.

Tsunoda Believes He Deserves This Opportunity

Last July, Tsunoda started expressing his frustration about not getting the chance to move up to Red Bull, especially as rumors about Perez`s performance issues grew.

By that time, Tsunoda was in his fourth season with the junior team and had matured into a more consistent driver, reducing the errors and radio outbursts that marked his early career.

After improving alongside Pierre Gasly and then outperforming Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo, Tsunoda felt ready for a bigger challenge.

“I feel ready to fight against top teams, even with Max,” Tsunoda said last year, acknowledging that the decision was not his to make.

Ricciardo was brought back as a potential replacement for Perez, but Tsunoda consistently outperformed him in qualifying and races.

Tsunoda found it strange that Red Bull might consider promoting the less experienced Lawson, who was a reserve driver at the time.

Later in the year, as Perez`s struggles continued and Lawson became his teammate, Tsunoda made a stronger case for a Red Bull seat in 2025.

“I deserve that seat. Whenever they put someone to compete with me, I keep beating them,” he asserted.

With Honda`s support, Tsunoda tested the Red Bull car after the season ended, but it seemed Lawson was set to get the seat. However, Lawson`s difficult start to the season and Red Bull`s quick decision changed everything, opening the door for Tsunoda.

Challenges for Tsunoda at Suzuka

Tsunoda`s immediate task is to get to grips with the RB21 car, which is known to be challenging to handle. Unlike Lawson, Tsunoda has no pre-season testing experience with this car. His first time driving the RB21 will be in Friday practice at Suzuka.

Starting with the senior team at his home Grand Prix could be both a benefit and a challenge. Suzuka is a track Tsunoda knows well. In his previous F1 races there, he has always qualified in the top 13 for Racing Bulls and finished in the points last year.

He will have strong support from Japanese fans.

Despite driving a less competitive car, Tsunoda has performed well this season for Racing Bulls, consistently qualifying in the top 10 and scoring points in the Shanghai Sprint. He likely would have scored more points if not for team strategy issues.

Tsunoda has had a seat fit and simulator time at Red Bull`s factory. The practice sessions in Japan will be crucial for him to build confidence with the car and establish a good working relationship with his new team.

Expectations for Tsunoda`s Performance

Red Bull`s driver program is known for its high pressure. While they likely don`t expect Tsunoda to immediately match Verstappen, consistent performance is key.

Commentator David Croft suggests Tsunoda needs to consistently get close to Verstappen`s qualifying times, score regular points, and capitalize on opportunities.

Croft advises Tsunoda to focus on his own performance and not get caught up in competing directly with Verstappen. Verstappen`s exceptional talent makes him a very high benchmark.

The pressure at Red Bull is significantly higher than at Racing Bulls, where wins and championships are expected.