Yuki Tsunoda will remain with the Red Bull family, taking on the role of test and reserve driver for the 2026 season, as detailed in the official statement. The arrival of young driver Isack Hadjar—who will be Max Verstappen's teammate—sealed the team's restructuring. Laurent Mekies, CEO of Red Bull Racing, praised the Japanese driver for his growth and his sporting and human contribution: “Yuki has become a complete driver, and his personality is an essential part of the Red Bull family”. With regulatory changes and the debut of Red Bull Ford Powertrains, 2026 appears as a major challenge for the team, while Tsunoda begins a new phase from the second line, but still within the Red Bull universe. According to Noticias Argentinas agency, his departure had been in the air since Honda, his main backer, decided to become Aston Martin's engine supplier starting next year. Red Bull dedicated a thank-you message on social media and officially confirmed that Tsunoda will remain linked to the structure as a test and reserve driver. The Japanese driver will compete this Sunday in his last race as a main driver—at least for now—after swapping places with Liam Lawson between the two Red Bull teams to move up to the main one. Despite the uncertainty he had been dragging for months, the Austrian team decided to keep him within the program awaiting a future opportunity. The official note highlighted his journey within the energy company: over 100 Grands Prix disputed, his time in the academy, and his historic graduation to the main team in 2025. Buenos Aires, December 2 (NA)—Red Bull's announcement rocked the end of the season: the team confirmed its lineup for 2026 and Yuki Tsunoda will not be part of the main drivers. After five consecutive seasons competing in Formula 1, the Japanese driver will have to follow the action from another role.
