Yuki Tsunoda Set for New F1 Role After Being 'Axed by Red Bull'

Yuki Tsunoda is set to begin a new role within Formula 1 with the Red Bull star set to be axed for the 2026 season.

Red Bull are set to confirm their driver changes ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this week, with Laurent Mekies set to promote Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls.

18-year-old Arvid Linblad is also expected to promoted from F2 to race alongside Liam Lawson, leaving Tsunoda without a seat.

When pressed on his future in Qatar, the Japanese driver stated: "I know something that I can't share obviously with you guys."

Sky F1 pit lane reporter Ted Kravitz confirmed the news during his 'notebook' section after Saturday's qualifying session, claiming an official announcement would follow this week.

"Isack couldn't contain his excitement and Yuki couldn't contain his disappointment," he revealed.

Yuki Tsunoda in Qatar (credit: getty)

Tsunoda handed new role in F1

Due to the decision coming so late in the season, Tsunoda is unable to secure a seat elsewhere, however, he looks set to remain part of the furniture of the F1 paddock.

According to Shiga Sports, Tsunoda will remain part of the Red Bull family in the role of reserve driver.

Tsunoda's new role will consist of completing extensive simulator work, helping develop the car, and supporting race-weekend setup by giving feedback to engineers.

He will also be required to step in and replace either Verstappen or Hadjar if they are unable to compete in any given grand prix.

Tsunoda joined F1 in 2021 and was an instant hit at Red Bull's sister team Alpha Tauri, 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 Verstappen, scoring just 30 points compared to the Dutchman's 396.

Team principal Mekies has remained tight lipped about Tsunoda's future, but explained earlier in the season that any decision would be results based.

Speaking in September, he said: "At first, you can always do more, always. We can do more, he can do more, always. So, he’s doing more and more, we are trying everything we can to support.

"So, I think we just want to see him continue to progress, continue to close the gap to Max, as that’s the main parameter, and continue to score points, because that’s ultimately what it is about."