Yuki Tsunoda now has the chance to take on what his boss calls the `toughest position in Formula 1` – being Max Verstappen`s teammate.
After Liam Lawson`s brief stint in the second Red Bull seat at the beginning of the season, Tsunoda is taking over from the third race onwards, which happens to be his home Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.
This promotion is Tsunoda`s opportunity to demonstrate that he is ready to compete at the top of Formula 1.
For Red Bull, this weekend in Suzuka will be the first chance to assess if they made the right decision by choosing Tsunoda as Sergio Perez`s replacement.
Tsunoda Believes He Deserves This Chance
Last July, as rumors circulated about Perez`s future due to his performance dip, Tsunoda began expressing his frustration about not getting the opportunity to move up within Red Bull.
At that time, the Japanese driver was in his fourth season with the junior team and had become a more consistent and mature driver compared to his early years. He had reduced on-track incidents, mistakes, and radio outbursts.
After improving alongside Pierre Gasly and outperforming Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo, Tsunoda felt ready for a bigger challenge.
`I feel ready, compared to the last few years, to compete against top teams and for higher positions, even against Max,` Tsunoda said last year. `But ultimately, the decision is theirs.`
He also found it strange that Red Bull might consider promoting the less experienced Lawson, who had only filled in for Ricciardo temporarily, over him.
In November, with Perez`s poor form continuing and Lawson now his teammate, Tsunoda made a stronger case for a Red Bull seat in 2025.
`I always say I deserve that seat. I can`t say more than that. It`s up to them,` he stated. `Whenever they put someone against me, I just keep beating them. That`s what I`ll continue to do.`
Thanks partly to Honda`s influence, Tsunoda tested the main Red Bull car for the first time in Abu Dhabi. However, it seemed Lawson was favored for the seat, blocking Tsunoda`s path, especially with Honda moving to Aston Martin in 2025.
But Lawson`s struggles at the start of the new season and Red Bull`s quick decision to make a change after the second race changed everything.
Tsunoda`s Tasks at Suzuka
Tsunoda`s immediate priority is to get comfortable with the RB21 car, which is known to be challenging to handle, even for Verstappen.
Unlike Lawson, Tsunoda hasn`t had any pre-season testing in the RB21. His first time driving it will be in the first practice session on Friday.
Starting his Red Bull debut at his home Grand Prix could be both helpful and challenging. On the positive side, Suzuka is a track Tsunoda knows very well.
In his previous F1 races at Suzuka, he has always qualified in the top 13 for Racing Bulls and finished 10th last year, earning his first home points.
As Japan`s only current F1 driver, Tsunoda will have significant home support.
Despite driving a less competitive car, Tsunoda has started the season strongly with Racing Bulls, qualifying in the top 10 in all sessions and scoring points in the Shanghai Sprint.
He likely would have scored more points if not for Racing Bulls` strategy mistakes in the Grands Prix.
Tsunoda has had a seat fitting and simulator time at Red Bull`s factory before Japan. The practice sessions will be crucial for him to build confidence with the car and establish good teamwork.
Expectations for Tsunoda`s Performance
Red Bull`s management understands that Tsunoda won`t immediately match Verstappen`s pace. The key question is what is expected of Red Bull`s second driver.
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft suggests that in the long run, Tsunoda needs to be within a couple of tenths of Verstappen in qualifying.
`He needs to score consistent points and capitalize on opportunities,` Croft said.
`Don`t focus on beating Verstappen yet. Max is currently the best driver, even if he`s not in the best car.`
Verstappen`s talent allows him to consistently perform well with the challenging Red Bull car. This is why Christian Horner calls the second Red Bull seat the `toughest job` in F1.
`Yuki needs to race his own race, not against his teammate,` Croft advises.
`Forget about who your teammate is, and just maximize your performance in every session and race.`
`This approach might reduce the pressure he`ll face now, which is much higher than racing for Racing Bulls. Red Bull expects wins, poles, and championships.`
