Yuki Tsunoda delivers 'smash it' vow ahead of new Red Bull F1 role

Yuki Tsunoda has stated he will “smash” any opportunity that may come his way in a reserve driver role at Red Bull next year.

Tsunoda will sit on the sidelines next year as Red Bull's third driver after losing his full-time seat following a torrid F1 campaign.

The Japanese driver struggled for form throughout the year alongside Max Verstappen and was heavily speculated to be on the way out of the seat at the end of the campaign.

Red Bull announced prior to the Abu Dhabi finale that he would be replaced by Isack Hadjar in 2026 after the latter enjoyed a positive rookie season.

Tsunoda admitted he is “excited” to learn about F1 in a different way as he takes on a background role.

"I'm excited to see from a different perspective, through different eyes, next year,” Tsunoda told media including RacingNews365.

“It's the first time in my career that I'm not racing. I was never really sitting down in the office while people were racing, so I can't refer to this way.

“I can see more of the view, have the communications, [hear] whatever every driver is doing, so maybe I can learn a lot of things that I never imagined, so I'm excited for that.” 

Despite missing out on a full-time seat, Tsunoda is set to be the first port of call for Red Bull if Verstappen or Hadjar are unable to race.

The 25-year-old has asserted he will grab any opportunity with both hands should things fall his way next year.

“I also will still try to be in this shape as much as possible,” he said.

“Whenever any opportunity comes, I'll smash it with that opportunity. So until then, keep my shape good and wait for it.”