Yuki Tsunoda has finally spoken out after being axed from the F1 grid by Red Bull after five seasons in the sport.
On Tuesday afternoon it was confirmed that Tsunoda would be replaced at Red Bull by Isack Hadjar, who has been impossible to ignore in his rookie season.
Hadjar's seat will be filled by 18-year-old British driver Arvid Linblad, who currently sits sixth in the F2 standings.
Despite losing his place on the grid, the Japanese driver will remain a member of the F1 paddock, with Red Bull confirming Tsunoda would continue with the team in a reserve driver role.
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Team principal Laurent Mekies, who has worked with Tsunoda at both Red Bull team's, released a statement thanking the 25-year-old for his efforts.
“Yuki has raced in Red Bull colours for seven years now and I have had the pleasure of working with him at both Red Bull teams," he said via redbullracing.com.
"Through his five seasons so far in Formula One, 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.
"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," he added.
Tsunoda 'not finished' as star reacts to Red Bull axe
Despite admitting ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix he 'knew something he couldn't say', Tsunoda remained tight lipped following confirmation of his demotion, but finally took to social media on Wednesday evening.
Tsunoda admitted he has been hit hard by Red Bull's decision, but stressed his determination to return to the F1 grid as soon as possible.
He posted: "I’m not finished yet.
"Finding out I won’t have a race seat in 2026 was incredibly tough, but I’m determined to work harder than ever with Red Bull as test and reserve driver to develop with the team, and prove I deserve a place on the grid.
"Life’s full of setbacks, and this is mine. It’s not going to deter me from being the best F1 driver I can be," he added.
Tsunoda was an instant hit at Red Bull's sister team Alpha Tauri back in 2021, scoring 94 points over five separate seasons before replacing Liam Lawson early in 2025.
However, the Red Bull star has suffered a similar fate to those before him alongside Max Verstappen, scoring just 30 points compared to the Dutchman's 396.
The Japanese driver is still highly rated by the majority within F1, and will be hoping his national ties to Honda can help secure him a future within the sport.
Topics: Formula 1, Motorsport
Tom Jenkins