Yuki Tsunoda to replace Max Verstappen in Red Bull test days after retirement hints

Yuki Tsunoda is set to replace Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for a Pirelli test just days after the four-time world champion hinted at possibly retiring from F1.

Two days on from the Japanese Grand Prix, question marks remain over Verstappen’s future, with the Red Bull man yet to secure a podium in the 2026 campaign.

The Dutchman has struggled to get to grips with the sport’s new regulations, even complaining that the sport is not as enjoyable to compete in as it was in previous years.

On Sunday (29 March), Verstappen finished eighth in the Japanese Grand Prix. He had earlier been forced to pull out of the Chinese Grand Prix and also only managed a sixth-place finish in the season opener in Melbourne.

After the Suzuka race, the 28-year-old admitted that he was considering his future in the sport when speaking to BBC Sport, after saying he was “not enjoying the whole formula”.

When asked whether this meant he was considering moving on from the sport, he added: “That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock.

“Privately I’m very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it’s 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about: is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”

Max Verstappen has hinted at retirement (Credit:Getty)

F1 is currently on a five-week break due to the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

However, Pirelli testing will still take place this week, with Racing Bulls and Red Bull taking part in the event across two days.

But Verstappen won’t take part.

According to GP Blog, Tsunoda is set to step in. The Japanese driver replaced Liam Lawson at Red Bull after just two races of the 2025 campaign, but has since been demoted to Racing Bulls and Red Bull’s test and reserve driver.

Lawson and Arvid Lindblad currently fill both Racing Bulls seats, while Isack Hadjar partners Verstappen at Red Bull.

F1 returns in Miami on 3 May with Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies “confident” he can give Verstappen a faster car for the rest of the Formula 1 season.

“We need the time to simulate back what we see in the data into the tunnel, into our simulator, try some sensitivities and all of that we can do without racing," said Mekies.

"Does it mean you come to Miami and you have solved everything as a miracle? No, but again, am I confident that the team will get to the bottom of that understanding and start bringing improvements already in Miami. That's what we will see but only the track and the lap time will give us an indication on whether we go into the right directions.”