Tsunoda set for return in Red Bull machinery ahead of 2026 season

The Japanese driver will be at the wheel of the RB7 — the car with which Sebastian Vettel secured his second world title in 2011 — on February 21, the day after the conclusion of the second pre-season test in Bahrain.

"Yuki will bring his ferocious pace and five years of Fl experience to the city's Marina Boulevard as he pushes the iconic title-winning RB7 to the limit around the streets of San Francisco," Red Bull said in a statement.

Alongside Yuki Tsunoda, several other high-profile names will also take part in the showrun. Mitch Guthrie Jr., a Ford Racing Off-Road star, will put the Dakar Rally-winning Ford Raptor T1+ through its paces, while former F1 driver Scott Speed will drive a Visa Cash App Racing Bulls car along Marina Boulevard. Freestyle motocross icon Aaron Colton is also set to feature as part of the event.

"I can't wait to get back behind the wheel of an Fl car and to do that in RB7 in San Francisco will be amazing," Tsunoda said. "I'm really looking forward to getting out there, doing some donuts and making some real F1 noise in front of the crowds."

The Japanese will not be taking to the track as a full-time race driver for the first time since his Formula 1 debut in 2021, instead stepping into a test and reserve role with Red Bull as he looks to work his way back onto the grid with a full-time seat next season.

Meanwhile, Tsunoda has announced the release of his first book via a post on his social media channels. In sharing the news, he also offered a brief teaser of what readers can expect from the book.