Yuki Tsunoda’s Bold Move After the Austrian GP Mirrors Daniel Ricciardo’s Final F1 Race – What’s Behind This Shocking Paralle?

Yuki Tsunoda’s performance at the Austrian Grand Prix was the perfect summation of his time at Red Bull Racing and the struggles every second driver has faced over the years with the team.

Max Verstappen has been instrumental to any success Red Bull have enjoyed since his winning debut at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.

He’s won the drivers’ championship on four occasions and is chasing a fifth consecutive title this year.

However, his hopes of matching the feat only previously achieved by Michael Schumacher are slowly fading away, with his retirement from the Austrian Grand Prix another critical blow.

It meant that at Red Bull’s home race, all eyes were on Verstappen’s teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

The 25-year-old has only scored seven points since his promotion from Racing Bulls and was eliminated yet again in the first period of qualifying, despite only being two-tenths slower than his teammate.

Tsunoda is coming under increasing pressure, and while he’s not expected to lose his race seat immediately, his long-term future in Formula 1 is looking far less certain.


Photo by Guenther Iby/SEPA.Media /Getty Images

Yuki Tsunoda’s long wait in his Red Bull after the Austrian Grand Prix was reminiscent of Daniel Ricciardo

Tsunoda started the race in 18th and, after avoiding the opening lap chaos that saw Verstappen eliminated, he slowly tried to make his way through the pack.

That included bumping into Lance Stroll, where he avoided a penalty, and then spinning Alpine newbie Franco Colapinto.

The stewards handed Tsunoda a 10-second time penalty on top of the new front wing he needed, and he was the only driver to finish two laps down at the end of the race.

Speaking on the team radio after taking the chequered flag, all Tsunoda could say to his race engineer was: “I’m sorry.”

In response, Richard Wood, his race engineer, said: Yep, not a day to remember. Pick up on the way in, please, pick up on the way in.”

Tsunoda was then spotted spending more than 40 seconds in his car once he reached parc ferme in the pit lane at the Red Bull Ring before getting out.

Daniel Ricciardo sat in his car for a long time at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix before deciding to get out and face his impending exit from the sport.

He then had to take part in a barrage of media interviews after the race, with everyone knowing he was about to lose his seat, even if Red Bull hadn’t announced it.


Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

Sergio Perez responds to Yuki Tsunoda’s struggles at Red Bull

Tsunoda indirectly replaced Sergio Perez at Red Bull with Liam Lawson’s brief two-race interlude, splitting the drivers.

Perez finished nearly 300 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ championship last season, and the new contract he signed halfway through the campaign did little to quieten the rumours surrounding his future.

He eventually lost his seat heading into 2025 at the beginning of the winter break, and Tsunoda could suffer the same fate at the end of this season unless things improve quickly.

Perez has questioned the lack of noise surrounding Tsunoda’s future, but there may be a simple explanation.

Red Bull have simply exhausted all of their options to replace the Japanese driver.

Isack Hadjar is Red Bull’s favoured candidate to partner Verstappen in 2026, but it’s far too early to promote the French rookie.

However, Daniel Ricciardo and Perez can both tell Tsunoda exactly how a driver’s time with Red Bull comes to an end, and while the Japanese driver is expected to carry on at the British Grand Prix, his self-reflection suggests he knows things need to change quickly.

Related Posts

🔥 NEWEY’s INSANE Upgrades for Alonso’s AI-Powered Car – The Ultimate Game Changer!

The Future of Formula 1: AI, Adrien Newey, and the Aston Martin AMR25 Formula 1, a sport known for its cutting-edge technology and the skill of its…

Exclusive Leak: Leclerc’s Hidden Discussions with Mercedes Exposed!

The Future of Charles Leclerc: Could Mercedes Be His Next Destination? Charles Leclerc’s relationship with Ferrari has been a topic of discussion throughout the 2022 Formula 1…

Ferrari’s secret Mugello test has finally been revealed, and the shocking truth about the SF-25’s hidden issue is out! What did the team uncover? Find out the real problem that could be affecting Ferrari’s performance this season, and why it could mean big trouble for their championship hopes.

Ferrari’s Bold Rear Suspension Upgrade: A Pivotal Moment in Their 2025 Campaign It wasn’t just another filming day at Mugello. Ferrari’s SF25 wasn’t there simply for promotional…

Red Bull’s New CEO and Verstappen Set to Conquer Spa – Is Total Dominance Imminent?

The Silent Strategic Alliance: Max Verstappen, Laurent Mekies, and the Future of Formula 1 Formula 1 is a sport that thrives on speed, precision, and the thrill…

Lewis Hamilton’s Secret Ferrari Plans Exposed: Is a Major Takeover in the Works? The Latest Shock Move That Could See the F1 Champion’s Boldest Career Decision Yet – How This Could Redefine His Legacy in Motorsports!

Lewis Hamilton’s Struggles with Ferrari: A Tale of Hope and Frustration When Lewis Hamilton made the decision to join Ferrari in what was widely anticipated to be…

The F1 season resumes with a big question mark over Red Bull’s performance without Christian Horner and Ferrari’s massive upgrade. Could these changes reshape the championship race? Get ready for unexpected twists and a whole new level of competition.

he Race Is On: F1’s Return to Spa and Ferrari’s Crucial Weekend Ahead The 2025 Formula 1 season continues to unfold, and with the Belgian Grand Prix…