Photo: Race Pictures

Could Tsunoda return to Racing Bulls? The Japanese driver reacts

16:11, 18 Sep

Updated: 18:10, 18 Sep

byKada Sarkozi

Yuki Tsunoda's name was recently mentioned for a Racing Bulls return. The Japanese driver reacted to the media about the possibility of moving back to his former team.

The only thing I'm thinking about is just staying at Red Bull for next year.

- Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda arriving to the Azerbaijan paddock - Photo: Race Pictures

The Japanese driver continues to focus on retaining his seat at Red Bull Racing, as the countdown begins until the Austrians make their decision about who will team up with Max Verstappen in 2026.

"I think it's the same as what I said previously, I heard today there are a lot of apparent speculation, but I was not really watching the media to pay attention. I don't know," he began in Azerbaijan.

"I just keep doing the things I'm doing so far, and keep focusing on my performance and show the progress over the races, and that's it. My main priority, obviously, is to stay here."

He continued: "I'm not really thinking much about the future, to be honest. Every race is crucial at the moment, that's true. I just keep delivering the results and showing some bright [moments] in the races, and let them decide what they want to do."

Tsunoda on a Racing Bulls return

"The only thing I'm thinking about is just staying at Red Bull for next year," the Japanese driver began his answer about a return to his former team.

"So I'm not really thinking much about the situation whether I'm going back to the Racing Bulls or whatever. If that thing happens, I'll think about that.

"I was there for long years and I know the people. But at the same time, I moved on already to a new chapter.

"And so far, probably it looks like a difficult moment, but actually, that’s giving me a lot of progress as a human and as a driver. There's this kind of challenge, like, these are things that you can't really experience. And I like myself fighting against them, trying to make it work. And yeah, it's good," he explained.

Verstappen already secured, second seat remains open for 2026

Over the media day of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen confirmed he will remain with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 campaign.

At Monza, rookie Isack Hadjar also explained his target of securing a seat with the Austrians for next year.

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Top advisor Helmut Marko explained that by Mexico they want to have a guideline for their decision, hoping to make one before the end of the year.

Since his promotion to Red Bull ahead of the Japanese GP, Tsunoda collected nine points for the team.

Outside of the Red Bull family, options also remain limited in terms of seats, with Cadillac announcing Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, and many drivers having long-term contracts secured.