Teammate steps in for sulking Verstappen at Red Bull Racing

The Dutchman returned to Monaco in the early hours of Monday after a long flight from Japan, where he finished no higher than eighth in the Grand Prix.

What was supposed to be a second opportunity for Tsunoda behind the wheel of the Red Bull will now have to wait a little longer, with Isack Hadjar taking the RB22 for the tyre test in Suzuka. Tsunoda has yet to drive the new car since being replaced as Verstappen’s teammate after the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, the Japanese driver did take part in a demonstration run in the United States.

For Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad will be present. The New Zealander will drive the car on Tuesday, while his British teammate takes over on Wednesday.

The test in Japan is not Pirelli’s only one in the coming weeks. GPblog has already reported that there will also be running at a place that is very special to Max Verstappen.