Tsunoda ready to play key role in championship fight: 'I know what to do'

The Japanese driver, who spoke to GPblog during the Qatar Grand Prix, was asked about the possibility of helping teammate Max Verstappen win the drivers’ title.

While admitting he is yet to receive specific instructions from the Red Bull Racing team, Tsunoda stated he knows what he needs to do as the Qatar Grand Prix weekend unfolds.

“No specific instruction yet. First of all, let's see how the qualifying goes. I think the qualifying order… naturally, if I'm behind him, I know exactly what to do,” he began.

“When I'm driving behind him and driving close to him, and my car is ideally behind, I know what to do. That’s what I've got to do,” he concluded.

Verstappen is currently locked in a three-way title fight with the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The Dutch driver, despite being tied on points with Piastri, trails Norris by 24 points heading into Qatar.

Earlier reports indicated that Tsunoda rejected the prospect of continuing at Red Bull Racing as a reserve driver for the 2026 campaign.

The 25-year-old, whose future remains uncertain, is believed to be in contention with Liam Lawson for the final seat available within the Red Bull Racing family.

Tsunoda, who replaced Lawson at the Milton Keynes team ahead of the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, is also linked with the Aston Martin outfit, particularly due to their partnership with Honda.

Stay in on the action as the Qatar Grand Prix weekend unfolds. Enjoy every inside scoop and analysis from the F1 paddock as the action continues at the Lusail International Circuit.

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