Tsunoda returns to action for Red Bull on busy F1 test day

After being replaced by Isack Hadjar for the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Japanese driver remained with Red Bull Racing in a reserve role. On Tuesday, he was back in action during a TPC test (Testing of Previous Cars).

Tsunoda enjoyed the experience. He wrote on social media: "Still smiling after two race distances in the Barcelona heat. So good to be back behind the wheel, feels like I never left."

Elsewhere, McLaren was also busy completing a TPC test yesterday. The Woking-based team was present in Monza, where last year's Formula 2 champion, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Will Stevens were in action.

The Italian driver, who will later also take on a TPC with Haas at Jerez, said: "I’m always looking forward to the opportunity to drive an F1 car. I’m really pleased with the performance in Barcelona during the FP1 session, which these tests helped me prepare for. I always enjoy driving in Monza, it’s such a fast track, and the conditions were good.

Stevens added: "It’s great to be back behind the wheel with the TPC Team. A modern F1 car is around Monza is fun, and most importantly, provides an important reference for my simulator work. We did a mix of short and long runs today, and we’ll get some more miles in tomorrow."

Meanwhile, a two-day Pirelli tyre test is also taking place. On the opening day, Ferrari, Cadillac and Aston Martin were present, with Charles Leclerc, Guanyu Zhou and American youngster Jak Crawford in action at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The Monegasque driver set the quickest time with a 1:16.619, and completed a total of 134 laps for 624 kilometers. Zhou did 54 laps and set a 1:21.543, but also experienced some technical issues. Crawford did the most laps with 146, and his best time was a 1:23.709.

The Pirelli tyre test continues today on the same circuit. Zhou will continue for Cadillac, while Arthur Leclerc will replace his brother for Ferrari.