RACING: Tsunoda can hope for a second chance, says Red Bull boss Mekies

Tsunoda Could Get Second Chance with Red Bull, Says Team Boss Mekies. Yuki Tsunoda may have a chance to return to Formula One racing with Red Bull after losing his race seat at the end of the season, team principal Laurent Mekies said on Friday.

The Japanese driver will make way for Frenchman Isack Hadjar following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday and will take on a reserve role with the former champions.

“I hope, and I think, that Yuki will get another chance,” Mekies told reporters at the Yas Marina Circuit.

“He will be reserve driver with us next year. You never know what’s going to happen. We have been quite famous for making fairly swift driver decisions in the past,” added the Frenchman.

Mekies recalled a similar situation at the end of the 2024 season when Tsunoda performed strongly but lost out on a promotion to Red Bull Racing in favor of Liam Lawson.

“He went into the winter wondering whether he would ever get another chance,” Mekies said. “He came back, and the team set an objective to maximize everything — to shoot for the stars. Three races later, he was driving for the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. You never know what the future holds.”

Tsunoda and Lawson raced together at Racing Bulls last year, with Lawson initially chosen to replace Mexican driver Sergio Perez. The two swapped seats after two races in which Lawson struggled and failed to score points.

Lawson will continue with Racing Bulls next year alongside 18-year-old rookie Arvid Lindblad, having regained his confidence.

“I’m sure everyone has experienced setbacks, sometimes hard setbacks,” Mekies said. “This is a setback for him, but I am confident he has the talent and determination to earn another opportunity.” -Alan Baldwin/Reuters Credit: Jakub Porzycki TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY