Finally, after years of being overlooked, Yuki Tsunoda became a Red Bull works driver in 2025—only to struggle in what turned out to be his first and final season with the team. Red Bull Racing remains as ruthless as ever in the post-Christian Horner era.

And so, the F1 grid now says goodbye to Tsunoda. His replacement, Isack Hadjar, has earned his promotion after an impressive rookie campaign with Red Bull’s junior squad, Racing Bulls.

Tsunoda desperately wanted the Red Bull seat but simply didn’t perform at the level the team demands. In an environment as cutthroat as Red Bull—and similar top-tier teams—there are no second chances.

He was also passed over for a return to Racing Bulls and, perhaps out of loyalty and practical necessity, has been reassigned to reserve and test duties.

Hadjar will officially gain his Red Bull wings in 2026, becoming the latest partner to four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, who by now must be accustomed to teammates regenerating like Doctor Who.

Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad will take Hadjar’s place at Racing Bulls after strong F2 performances and standout FP1 outings at Silverstone and Mexico.

Will the F1 grid ever see Yuki Tsunoda return? Probably not. In F1, drivers come and go; some last a season or two, while the greats endure for a decade or more. But eventually, time catches up with everyone.

By next season, Tsunoda will likely fade from the conversation. Formula 1 is a revolving door—one moment you’re in, the next you’re gone.