Tsunoda Yuki's future in Formula 1 is at the forefront of discussions following his unexpected omission from the senior Red Bull Racing lineup. Despite impressively achieving nine points finishes this season with his underperforming vehicle, Tsunoda was overlooked for promotion. With the F1 community buzzing about his capabilities, former F1 champion Johnny Herbert has advocated for Tsunoda's talent and potential championship-winning qualities.
Herbert, who has raced competitively and served as a steward post-retirement, believes Tsunoda's tenacity and spirit make him suitable for Red Bull’s future ambitions. According to reports by Planet F1, Herbert expressed strong opposition to the decision made by Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, stating, "Red Bull is making a mistake placing Liam Lawson next to Max Verstappen for 2025. Yuki Tsunoda is the right man for the job." This highlights the growing concern over Red Bull's personnel decisions.
Initially seen as a potential candidate for the senior team due to his recent performances, Tsunoda now finds himself at the mercy of Red Bull's choices. Under Horner’s leadership, the focus appears to be on experience over potential. Herbert disagrees, stating, "What impressed me the most is Yuki's spirit." He emphasizes how Tsunoda isn’t afraid to speak up about his team and peers, underscoring the importance of such traits to compete at the highest levels.
Herbert's assertions not only highlight Tsunoda's impressive resilience but also point to what he views as necessary characteristics for success. "To compete with the best drivers, you need such mentality," he noted, promoting Tsunoda's fiery nature as more of an asset than the liability Red Bull seemed to label it. He insists the ultimate goal for Red Bull needs to focus on winning championships, and Tsunoda has the grit to contribute to such ambitions.
When discussing Tsunoda's driving skills, Herbert was candid. "Can he beat Max? I'm not sure, but it would definitely be close," he confidently stated. This suggests Herbert sees immense potential for Tsunoda to thrive if granted the opportunity at Red Bull alongside Verstappen. He contends Tsunoda possesses comparable talent to four-time champion Verstappen, proposing the idea Tsunoda’s prowess could flourish in such strong team dynamics.
Tsunoda’s story is one of mixed signals; his undeniable talent continues to be praised, yet tangible opportunities within elite teams remain elusive. The current climate within the racing community indicates his future is uncertain, and as decisions loom over Red Bull's lineup, Tsunoda remains at the crossroads of his career, with hopes pinned on proving his worth come next season.
With whispers about the team’s direction and ambitions, the conversation is bound to evolve as the 2025 season approaches. Tsunoda may find himself at the helm of pivotal discussions if he continues his upward trend. The saga serves as a reminder of how cutthroat F1 can be, especially when it involves nurturing talent ripe for exploitation.
For Tsunoda, the support from figures like Herbert could provide the much-needed momentum as he navigates through the competitive F1 ranks. While fans and pundits alike watch this storyline closely, only time will tell if Tsunoda can convert his potential and passion for racing to concrete success with one of the top teams.