Red Bull won't rule out another F1 driver swap with Yuki Tsunoda on shaky ground
Red Bull have already given Max Verstappen two team-mates so far this season after Liam Lawson was dropped for Yuki Tsunoda and a third is not beyond the realms of possibility
Christian Horner insists it is still "early days" for Yuki Tsunoda as a Red Bull Racing driver. However, the team principal failed to rule out the possibility of another driver swap before the current Formula 1 season is out.
And Red Bull have already dropped one team-mate to Max Verstappen in 2025, which is how Tsunoda got the seat in the first place. He was promoted from sister team Racing Bulls to take over from Liam Lawson, who was demoted just two rounds into the season after buckling under the pressure.
Lawson didn't score a point at all for Red Bull so, on the face of it, the seven managed by Tsunoda since the swap is an improvement. But it is still nowhere near the sort of output the team needs from its second car.
The last two races were particularly bracing for the Japanese racer. He crossed the line 17th in Monaco, that second car's worst Grand Prix finish of 2025 so far, including Lawson's results, before qualifying 20th and last for the Barcelona race last Sunday.
Speaking afterwards, Red Bull team principal Horner was non-committal when asked if Red Bull could make another driver change before the year is out. "I think I'm going to take a leaf out of Flavio's [Briatore, Alpine boss] book and say, 'I don't want to answer it'," he laughed.
But then he gave a real answer: "Look, it's early days for Yuki. He's still settling in. He's been in Q3, scored points, he's scored points from the pit lane. He's had a few incidents as well, so he has a long way to go. We'll decide. We've got plenty of time on our side."
Tsunoda is out of contract at the end of the year. He has been strongly linked with a move away from the Red Bull stable having impressed with his development since debuting in the sport in 2020, but failing to land a promotion to the top team until this year – even initially overlooked in favour of Lawson despite being far more experienced.
More pressure is coming the Japanese's way as a result of impressive performances from another Red Bull driver, though, Isack Hadjar is one of several rookies on the F1 grid this year and has been one of the best performing, producing consistent qualifying results which he has converted into 21 points to date for Racing Bulls.
The last two races brought his best results yet, sixth place in Monaco and seventh in Spain. And Horner told French TV that he is delighted with the start the Parisian youngster has made since stepping up from Formula 2. "I think he's been the most outstanding of the rookies," the Red Bull boss said.
"The expectation on him wasn't as high as he's delivered so far. He's exceeded all our expectations, he's been fast, he's been consistent. He's constantly delivered, and I think it's been a great start to his Formula 1 career. He just needs to keep that momentum running. His future, if he keeps performing as he is, is very bright."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
5 hours ago
- Metro
Man Utd told to join race to sign £42m Arsenal transfer target
Manchester United have been urged to consider a move for one of Arsenal's transfer targets to provide Ruben Amorim with more attacking firepower. After a deflating end to the campaign, which saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and miss out on European silverware, United are plotting their latest summer rebuild. The Red Devils have identified the forward line as a key area for improvement and have already signed Matheus Cunha to begin to address those concerns. A deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo could also follow, although both clubs are still yet to agree on a fee after United's initial offer was rejected. Should a deal for the Cameroonian international fail to materialise, however, United may be forced to consider alternative options. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. And former Red Devils defender Gary Pallister believes that Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma could be the man to make an instant impact at Old Trafford. 'I don't think you can ever have enough attacking options and we have seen what Kaoru Mitoma can do in the Premier League,' Pallister told 'Marcus Rashford might be leaving the club and Amad Diallo was the only forward hitting his top level before he got injured, the club needs back up in those areas. 'If Mitoma is available then I'd like to see him at Old Trafford, he can make an impact.' The Japanese international notched up 10 goals and four assists in the league last season and has attracted interest from several top European clubs so far this window. Bayern Munich have taken an interest in the 28-year-old, while Sky Germany also reported that Arsenal have shortlisted the Brighton star as a potential target this summer. More Trending A fee of around €50 million (£42m) is said to potentially be enough to secure Mitoma's services. Mitoma is one of several names on Arsenal's shortlist as Mikel Arteta's side look for wide attacking reinforcements in the summer window. Real Madrid's Rodrygo is said to be the club's dream target but Xabi Alonso has played down speculation linking the Brazilian with an exit. Nico Williams has also been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates in recent windows, but the Spaniard is now reportedly in talks to extend his stay at Athletic Club with a new and improved contract. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Reece James reacts to Chelsea's signing of in-demand striker Liam Delap MORE: Thierry Henry's warning to Arsenal and Chelsea over signing 'amazing' £60m striker MORE: Man Utd legend backed to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who ‘regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit
When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two SCHUEY'S CIRCLE Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who 'regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit AN F1 boss has revealed insider information on Michael Schumacher's inner circle - like who "regularly" visits him and his shock at one pal who won't. Schumacher hasn't been in the public eye since a devastating skiing accident 12 years ago and is cared for by medical staff and his wife Corinna at their home in Lake Geneva. Advertisement 7 Schumacher lifts the trophy after victory in the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Monaco Credit: Getty 7 German formula one world champion Michael Schumacher of Ferrari hugs his wife Corinna in 2004 Credit: Alamy 7 Ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star Credit: Re-Engineering Australia Foundation 7 The F1 legend's family have remained very protective of his privacy, with little known about his condition since the 2013 accident. Now ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star - and revealed who regularly him. He told "Jean Todt, that's well known. Jean and Michael had an extraordinarily close relationship. "I believe Luca Badoer, who is a close family friend, visits him. Advertisement "If there is a third, I don't know who that would be." But Hopkins also spoke of a pal who won't visit Schumacher - Flavio Briatore. He added: "Flavio is, as we know, a flamboyant character. I would have thought he would have probably been the first person who would have wanted to see Michael in whatever way that was. But you have to respect that decision. "That's down to the individual. Not necessarily shared by all. I know there are close friends that go and see Schumacher and that's their own choice and for their own reasons. Advertisement "But Flavio has obviously got his and it's very deep and personal how we remember people, and how we want to remember people. "I think we all have to respect that one." Michael Schumacher's Monaco Grand Prix-Winning Ferrari F2001 In 2020 Briatore's former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: 'Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes.' Addressing this rumour, Hopkins said: "I'm not in that circle to know the absolute facts about Schumacher. Not many people are. Does he communicate through his eyes? Quite possibly. Advertisement "There is rumour he does watch Grand Prixs. But this is just speculation and perhaps unfair for anyone to make assumptions and guesses. "Any remark I make will be unqualified as well in that sense, so it's difficult to be drawn on it." In April, Schumacher signed a charity helmet belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart with help from Corinna. The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart's charity Race Against Dementia. Advertisement But Hopkins has described the signing as potentially being a "one-off". He said: "I suspect that [Jackie Stewart helmet signature] gesture was a one-off. There was a lot of media around that and maybe for the family too much media. 7 Michael Schumacher and Flavio Briatore Credit: Getty - Contributor 7 Alpine F1 Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore looks on in the paddock during qualifying Credit: Getty Advertisement 7 Race winner Michael Schumacher celebrates on the podium in 1994 Credit: Alamy "They try to keep everything quiet and private, so I'd hazard a guess that it was a one-off. "It was a great gesture from the family to organise that." Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Schumacher unless they were given £12million. Advertisement Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men. In February the trio were found guilty of their part in the blackmail plot. Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court. Schumacher's wife Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche. Advertisement She said: 'What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. 'He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.' When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two. The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma. Advertisement The best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness. There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Schumacher to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed.
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Lewis Hamilton admits he's close to demanding Ferrari change as F1 woes continue
Lewis Hamilton endured another difficult race at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend despite a better qualifying effort, as his difficulties since joining Ferrari continue Lewis Hamilton admitted he could soon ask Ferrari to focus fully on their preparations for the 2026 season. Such a shift would be seen as giving up on what has so far been a difficult debut campaign for the seven-time Formula 1 champion with his new team. Despite all the hype around one of the most high-profile driver moves in F1 history, there has been little for Hamilton to write home about so far in 2025. Other than one victory and a podium, both in Sprint races, his results have been underwhelming. Part of that has been put down to his difficulties adapting to his new surroundings, but it is clear that Ferrari as a team have had a poor start. Last year they ran McLaren close for the constructors' title but, nine rounds into the current season, they are already 197 points adrift of the leaders. They also have not won any of the nine Grands Prix held so far, though Charles Leclerc has managed three podium finishes. The Monegasque is fifth in the drivers' standings with 94 points, one place and 23 points ahead of Hamilton. The Brit's qualifying had been a key issue but the last two races have been encouraging in that regard. He was particularly happy last Saturday night in Barcelona having qualified fifth for the Spanish Grand Prix, two places ahead of his team-mate. But while Leclerc came roaring through on the Sunday, rising to the podium positions, Hamilton struggled for pace. He limped to finish sixth after Max Verstappen's late penalty, having been overtaken by the Sauber of Nico Hulkenberg late on, and said it was the "worst race I've experienced". He will hope to have a more competitive Ferrari to drive next time out at the Canadian Grand Prix, but did not sound too confident when asked if he felt that might be the case. "I don't know, if I'm honest," Hamilton replied. And he suggested focusing on their 2026 plans might be a better use of Ferrari's resources, adding: "I don't know what upgrades we have coming. We haven't had an upgrade for quite some time. We'll keep pushing with what we have but, before too soon, I'll be just saying focus on next year. "So building foundations this year, learning about the tools in terms of structure, in terms of our processes, nailing those so when we arrive next year we'll be with the car that we really want." In contrast, though Leclerc knows it will be "very tough" to fight against the dominant McLarens, he vowed: "I'll give everything until the end. "I hope this weekend helps us to do a step in the right direction and then, hopefully with new parts as soon as possible, we can then take the lead in terms of performance on track at least. That will help us to hope for better, but we cannot afford to lose too many races."
