Yuki Tsunoda handed new role after Red Bull F1 seat axe

Yuki Tsunoda will carry out new duties at the Red Bull team in 2026 after the team confirmed he will not be racing in F1 next year.

Red Bull has opted to replace the Japanese driver with Isack Hadjar following a torrid season at the Milton Keynes-based squad.

Tsunoda was also not assigned to one of the Racing Bulls seats, which have gone to Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad.

Tsunoda endured a challenging season alongside Max Verstappen, having been promoted two rounds into the campaign.

He scored a best result of sixth at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but the 25-year-old was often contending outside the top 10.

Despite his axe from a full-time F1 seat, Tsunoda is still set to play a role at the team next year.

Red Bull has confirmed Tsunoda will carry out test and reserve driver duties in 2026, assisting the squad from the sidelines.

“Through his five seasons so far in F1, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday,” Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies said. 

“Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki, his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family.

“On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forwards.”