Yuki Tsunoda got behind the wheel of the Red Bull RB20 during the Abu Dhabi post-season test and his remarks have hinted high possibility to be Verstappen’s teammate for 2025 F1.
This moment marks a pivotal point for the young Japanese driver who has been gunning for a promotion to Red Bull Racing since he joined the outfit in 2021.
As rumors swirl about the potential departure of Sergio Perez, Yuki Tsunoda’s performance during this test could be crucial in determining his future within the team.
The Abu Dhabi post-season test held at Yas Marina Circuit provided Tsunoda with an opportunity to showcase his skills in the RB20, a car that has demonstrated competitive prowess throughout the 2024 season.
The 24-year old’s experience driving for Red Bull’s sister team Visa Cash App RB prepared him for this moment, but stepping into a car that has been at the forefront of F1 competition presents a different challenge.
Yuki Tsunoda completed an impressive 127 laps during the Abu Dhabi post-season test, finishing with a best time of 1:24.689s, which placed him 17th among the drivers participating in the test.
Although lap times are often not directly comparable due to varying fuel loads and tire strategies, his consistency and adaptability were clearly on display.
Tsunoda expressed his confidence driving the RB20, stating that it felt “very different” from what he was used to. He noted that he did not struggle to adapt to the car’s characteristics and felt it suited his driving style well.
“The Abu Dhabi post-season test has been so fun,” Tsunoda said during a break between runs. “It’s the first time in the past four years that I have driven a different car.
“You can physically feel why the RB20 has been fighting for a championship this year, I feel a clear difference to what I was driving before.
“The tyre degradation was feeling much less compared to what I had in the previous car – that was much more sensitive and extra.
“We have had a very productive day so I am really happy with that. There is still a lot of learning that I have to do but the team have done a great job of preparing such a great run, it’s been such an enjoyable atmosphere in the garage.“
This is a huge statement considering that mental resilience and technical feedback have previously been areas of concern regarding Yuki Tsunoda’s readiness for a top-tier team like Red Bull.
His remarks about feeling comfortable behind the wheel and being able to identify the car’s limitations suggest a maturity and growth in his approach as a driver.
“To be honest I didn’t really struggle much to adapt,“ Tsunoda added. “I didn’t have much dirty laps. On the long runs I have been able to run consistently and straight away felt the limitations of the car, which if you don’t have confidence in the car you can’t feel any limitations.
“I am more happy than ever at the moment and making sure that the team have the information that they require from each run is the most important thing to get out of today.”
The backdrop to Tsunoda’s Red Bull test is the ongoing speculation surrounding Sergio Perez’s future with Red Bull Racing.
Following a challenging season where Perez struggled to match teammate Max Verstappen’s performance many insiders believe that Yuki Tsunoda and fellow driver Liam Lawson are the frontrunners for the coveted seat alongside Verstappen for the 2025 F1 season.
Team principal Laurent Mekies has publicly backed Tsunoda’s potential promotion, indicating that if he continues to perform at his current level, it would be unreasonable not to consider him for a faster car.
Despite finishing lower on the timesheet compared to some other drivers, including those who have more extensive experience with their respective teams, Tsunoda’s focus remains on long-term development rather than immediate results.
He understands that performance metrics from one test session do not define his potential as a driver; instead, it is about demonstrating consistent improvement and adaptability over time.
The competition for the second seat at Red Bull is fierce, with Liam Lawson also showcasing impressive performances throughout his tenure with RB. However, Tsunoda’s unique combination of speed, experience, and support from Honda may give him an edge as discussions about next season intensify.
The decision-making process within Red Bull is known for its strategic nature; thus, both drivers will need to continue proving themselves under pressure.
As we look ahead to 2025 F1, Yuki Tsunoda’s ambitions are clear: he aims not only to secure a place within Red Bull Racing but also to establish himself as a formidable teammate alongside Max Verstappen.
The upcoming months will be critical as both he and Lawson vie for their respective futures within one of F1’s most prestigious teams
