Tsunoda hits track in iconic Red Bull car after major F1 GP announcement

The Japanese driver, who serves as the team’s reserve driver, took to the streets of Istanbul for a demonstration run behind the wheel of the 2012 title-winning RB8 driven by Sebastian Vettel. The outing by Tsunoda, which coincides with Formula 1’s announcement of the return of the Turkish Grand Prix to the calendar from the 2027 campaign, saw him drive the RB8 through the city’s streets before taking to the track at Istanbul Park. The 25-year-old’s last outing behind the wheel of the same machinery came on the streets of San Francisco in February, when he was forced to make a quick escape after the car caught fire.

Currently serving as reserve driver for both Red Bull and its sister team Racing Bulls, Tsunoda lost his race seat alongside Max Verstappen to Isack Hadjar following a challenging spell that saw him score points in seven of his 22 starts. Despite the setback, Tsunoda has made it clear he is targeting a swift return to the grid ahead of the 2027 season.

Earlier, Tsunoda detailed how he hopes to learn from the experience of former Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez, who made a return to the sport following his one-year hiatus. The Japanese driver explained how he believes his new role could prove integral to his next step in F1.

Perez, who served as Verstappen’s teammate between 2021 and 2024, was axed from the Milton Keynes-based team following a streak of underwhelming results. The veteran Mexican, having spent the entirety of 2025 on the sidelines, made a return to the sport with F1’s newest outfit, Cadillac.

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