The fallout from Zandvoort has shaken Formula 1 to its core. Yuki Tsunoda, once billed as the fiery Japanese prodigy who might finally conquer Red Bull’s cursed second seat, is now staring into the abyss after another disastrous qualifying exit. His failure to advance past Q2 at the Dutch Grand Prix has ignited fresh speculation that Red Bull is preparing to cut ties—possibly as soon as the 2026 regulation reset.
The contrast couldn’t be starker. While Tsunoda falters, Red Bull’s junior pipeline is roaring. Ayumu Iwasa stunned with a sensational P4 in qualifying for Racing Bulls, instantly drawing comparisons to Tsunoda and raising the question fans have whispered all season: has Red Bull already found his replacement? Insiders say the buzz around Iwasa is deafening, with figures in Milton Keynes touting him as the “natural heir” should Tsunoda’s struggles persist.
The numbers are damning. Verstappen remains Red Bull’s unstoppable weapon, while Tsunoda—despite the privilege of driving the RB21—has repeatedly failed to break into the top 10 when it matters most. The Constructors’ Championship battle is tightening, and Red Bull can no longer afford a passenger in its second car. “Incredibly stupid,” Helmut Marko allegedly fumed after Zandvoort, blasting Tsunoda’s inability to extract performance.
Team principal Laurent Mekies continues to defend his driver, insisting there are “positive trends” and promising more resources to boost Tsunoda’s form. But his words ring hollow against the brutal scoreboard—and the mounting pressure from Red Bull’s youth movement. Isack Hadjar is waiting in the wings, Arvid Lindblad isn’t far behind, and even whispers of external talents like Alex Palou are intensifying. Every misstep from Tsunoda tightens the noose.
Worse still, the Honda factor is evaporating. With the Japanese manufacturer preparing to exit Red Bull and shift alliances, Tsunoda loses his most powerful backer. Without Honda’s influence, his safety net disappears, leaving him exposed in an organization notorious for its ruthlessness.
The cracks in Tsunoda’s armor are starting to show. His once-fiery radio rants have been replaced by resignation. Asked bluntly if he’s doing enough to save his seat, he muttered: “It’s not easy, but you just have to do it.” The spark that once made him Red Bull’s wildcard seems extinguished.
Veteran voices are circling. Former AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost has praised Tsunoda’s raw speed but blasted his lack of diligence: “He never mastered the data. Talent isn’t enough in Formula 1.” It’s a damning indictment that echoes the fate of Gasly, Albon, and Perez—all chewed up by Red Bull’s merciless second seat.
Make no mistake: Tsunoda is fighting for his Formula 1 life. Unless he produces something spectacular in the next run of races—a podium finish, a shock victory, a statement performance—his Red Bull career is finished. The decision, insiders whisper, may already be made.
⚡ This isn’t just a fight for points. This is Yuki Tsunoda’s fight for survival, for identity, for the right to remain in the fastest sport on Earth. And with Red Bull sharpening the axe, the next few races could decide whether he becomes a legend—or another casualty of F1’s most brutal team.
