Yuki Tsunoda makes 'nervous' declaration as Red Bull F1 decision looms

Yuki Tsunoda has conceded he is "nervous" as he awaits Red Bull's final decision over whether to keep him alongside Max Verstappen for 2026.

The Japanese racer's future is uncertain, and he could be kept on at Red Bull, demoted back to Racing Bulls or even fall out of F1 altogether for next season, with Red Bull delaying a decision over where to put its drivers for next season.

Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and F2 protege Arvid Lindblad are fighting for the three non-Verstappen Red Bull-controlled seats, with one of the quartet set to miss out. 

Hadjar is widely expected to be promoted to partner Verstappen, meaning Tsunoda would be demoted back to the junior team after a difficult season at the senior squad, after replacing Lawson ahead of the Japanese GP. 

He did finish a season-best sixth in Azerbaijan and took seventh in the United States, but remains 17th in the drivers' championship, behind both Lawson and Hadjar.

Reflecting on his situation, Tsunoda explained that he "would be lying" if he said he wasn't nervous about the impending decision.

"I mean, if I say I am not nervous, I would be lying, but it is the same situation as last year, or even two years ago," Tsunoda told media, including RacingNews365. 

"So to be honest, I've got used to it, it is part of Formula 1, but the good thing is, I've had experience with that situation a lot of times, and I know what I have to do in the next three races.

"In the end, I can't control those decisions, but what I can control is to give the best performances, give my best, and that is what I am here for, that is what I've got to do.  

"For sure, there are some nerves, but at the same time, one of my strengths is that once I go home, I forget everything, and maybe enjoy this Las Vegas [weekend], the conditions and maybe the future."