Yuki Tsunoda on the Edge of a Breakthrough: Aiming for Red Bull Promotion
Yuki Tsunoda’s path to a potential Red Bull seat is a high-stakes challenge, but the Japanese driver believes that his experience “on the edge of the cliff” has made him a stronger competitor.
Tsunoda will get his first chance to drive a contemporary Red Bull Formula 1 car in the upcoming Abu Dhabi post-season test, a critical opportunity to impress the team as he aims for a promotion to the senior squad in 2025.
The test, which follows the conclusion of the 2024 season, will see Tsunoda take the wheel of a Red Bull car for the first time. Having previously driven for AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s sister team, Tsunoda has yet to experience the full might of the top-tier Red Bull machines that have dominated Formula 1 in recent years.
This test marks a significant moment in his career, as he makes a bid to become Max Verstappen’s teammate, with current driver Sergio Perez’s future at the team increasingly uncertain.
Perez’s struggles in 2024 have been well-documented, with inconsistent performances and a noticeable gap in competitiveness compared to Verstappen. This has led to speculation that Red Bull may decide to part ways with the Mexican driver, with Tsunoda and fellow Red Bull junior Liam Lawson being the frontrunners to fill his seat.
Both drivers have impressed in their respective roles, with Tsunoda showcasing resilience and growth in a challenging environment at AlphaTauri.
Tsunoda’s aggressive driving style has often been one of his key characteristics, but it has also led to moments of tension, as he frequently operates close to the limits of what his car can do.
However, Tsunoda sees this as an advantage, describing himself as “on the edge of the cliff” – a place where he believes drivers can hone their skills and sharpen their instincts. His willingness to push boundaries has earned him praise for his fearlessness and his adaptability under pressure.
Looking ahead to the Abu Dhabi test, Tsunoda knows that this is his chance to make a definitive statement to Red Bull. If he can impress the team’s decision-makers with his pace, control, and ability to adapt to the car, he could solidify his place as Verstappen’s future teammate.
The stakes are high, and with Perez’s seat hanging in the balance, Tsunoda’s performance at the test could be the final piece of the puzzle in his journey to one of Formula 1’s top teams.
In a season that has seen the Red Bull team make history with Verstappen’s dominance, Tsunoda is eager to show that he can contribute to the team’s ongoing success.
With a potential seat in one of the most coveted positions in F1 up for grabs, Tsunoda is ready to prove that he belongs at the highest level of the sport.