Red Bull contract 'didn't allow' Tsunoda to explore further F1 options

14:41, 04 Dec

Updated: 15:00, 04 Dec

1 Comments

byTobia Elia

Yuki Tsunoda opened up about his departure from Red Bull and Formula 1, and how he was informed of the news.

“Obviously I'm disappointed and pissed off”

- Yuki Tsunoda

The Japanese driver was the only one to be sacrificed in Red Bull’s driver shuffle, which confirmed Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, Arvid Lindblad’s F2 debut, and Isack Hadjar’s promotion to Red Bull.

When asked how he received the news, Tsunoda told GPblog: “Obviously I'm disappointed and pissed off, and how I got told was right after the race (in Qatar) from Helmut privately that I won't be racing next year, so I think that's it.

“Surprisingly, I'm okay. The day after I had breakfast as usual, same food. Probably I'm not recognising enough that it will be the last race for this year, or maybe for next year. Maybe I'll feel more after Abu Dhabi, but that's how it went and how I feel now.”

Photo: Race Pictures

When asked if he had looked elsewhere for other options, Tsunoda added: “I didn't have an option. The thing is, my contract was there, so I couldn't do much. I had a couple of interests from externally, but the contract didn't really allow me to talk with them.”

“That's why I was fully focused on the Red Bull season. Anyway, it was my priority for the last few years. It was for me, Red Bull family, because it's the place I grew up.”

Hadjar reveals details of conversation with Marko about Red Bull promotion

Hadjar has opened up following the news that he will race alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026.

This week, Red Bull confirmed Hadjar’s promotion to the senior team for next season, where he will replace Yuki Tsunoda as Verstappen’s teammate.

Speaking in Abu Dhabi about what the opportunity means to him, the Frenchman shared his thoughts.

GPblog's latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.