With all the speculation surrounding the second Red Bull Racing seat for the 2026 season, Yuki Tsunoda maintained a straightforward approach: focus on the present and let his on-track performance speak for itself. Following the comments from Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko that Mexico would be a key reference point for a decision from the team, the pressure is mounting. However, Tsunoda insists he is not letting the future distract him from the task at hand.
Current mindset: Performance over pressure
Yuki Tsunoda was clear that his energy was directed towards his current performance, and not contract negotiations or team moves when questioned about the crucial upcoming races and his future. He emphasized that every race is important and his objective is to consistently deliver strong results for the team to evaluate.
“I am not really thinking much about the future to be honest yet,” Tsunoda stated. “Every race is crucial in this moment, that’s true. I just keep delivering the results and showing some brightness every race. Let them decide what they want to do.”
While acknowledging his time with his former team, he made it clear that his ambition is to remain with the senior Red Bull team. “The only thing I am thinking about is to stay in Red Bull for next year,” he confirmed.
Confidence and the 2026 regulations
Tsunoda was pragmatic regarding his confidence in securing the 2026 Red Bull seat. He stated his belief in his own abilities is what mattered most. He stressed that his personal performance was the only variable he could truly influence in a competitve driver market.
“How confident? I don’t know. But just to keep believing in myself in this moment,” he said. “…it’s just the only thing I can control. So just only focus on that.”
The Japanese driver also addressed the idea that the new 2026 regulations could work in his favour by creating a car that isn’t tailored to his teammate. He dismissed the notion that the current car is built exclusively for Max Verstappen. Instead attributing the performance difference to his teammate’s incredible skill and experience with the team’s setup.
“I wouldn’t say this car is built for Max,” Tsunoda explained. “I mean, I think he, first of all, he’s an incredible driver. But second thing is just he knows what he can deliver from each setup, which is good.” While the new regulations could reset the field, Tsunoda’s focus remains firmly on mastering the present.
