Yuki Tsunoda is quietly turning into one of the most interesting storylines of the 2025 Formula 1 season. In Austin, the Japanese driver clawed his way from 13th to finish seventh, scoring a total of eight points across the sprint and main race. It was his second consecutive points finish, but perhaps more importantly, it was a weekend that proved he deserves a seat in 2026.
This wasn’t just another decent Sunday for Tsunoda. It was the kind of performance that makes Red Bull bosses sit up and take notice.
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From Thirteenth to Seventh: The Comeback Charge
Starting in 13th, Tsunoda lit up the first lap with a fierce charge that saw him overtake three cars and slip into the points almost instantly. His aggressive opening was reminiscent of the Tsunoda we first saw in his rookie year — fearless, instinctive, and sometimes just a bit wild.
“I had a good start again this time,” Tsunoda said after the race. “I think I was able to attack with confidence for the first few laps.”
By Lap 3, he had muscled past Oliver Bearman and later capitalized on contact between Carlos Sainz and Kimi Antonelli to move up to seventh. The first stint was pure fire — but things started to cool off mid-race as tyre management bit back.
Tyres, Tactics, and That Bearman Battle
Switching to softs on Lap 30 was supposed to spark a recovery, but the expected boost never came. Tsunoda admitted he may have gone too conservative. “I overmanaged the tyres a little bit throughout the stint,” he said, acknowledging the dip in pace.
Then came the flashpoint — a hard-fought scrap with Bearman. The Haas rookie tried to dive down the inside on Lap 35 but ended up spinning into the gravel after Tsunoda defended firmly. Bearman raged over the radio, accusing Tsunoda of moving under braking. The stewards didn’t investigate, and Tsunoda defended his driving. “I don’t think I did anything particularly wrong,” he said.
That exchange summed up Tsunoda’s day: fiery, defensive, and right on the edge of controversy.
Eyes on Qualifying, Mind on the Mission
Despite his best finish since joining Red Bull, Tsunoda refused to bask in the glow. “We need to start from a higher position and be able to fight the top teams,” he said. His qualifying form remains his Achilles’ heel — 18th in the sprint shootout and 13th in the main qualifying session.
And he knows that if he wants a 2026 seat, starting mid-pack just won’t cut it. The difference between racing and chasing in Formula 1 often begins on Saturday.
Tsunoda’s mission is now crystal clear: fix the short-run pace, nail qualifying, and keep banking points. Because Red Bull’s patience is running short, and their options are growing.
The Bigger Picture: Constructors and Careers
With Max Verstappen winning again and Red Bull outscoring everyone in Austin, the team has closed in on Ferrari and Mercedes in the Constructors’ standings. Tsunoda’s points were vital, even if they came in the shadow of Verstappen’s dominance.
He’s not just racing for pride — he’s racing for survival. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed that the 2026 lineup decision will come after the next race in Mexico. And with Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson both in the mix, Tsunoda’s fate could hinge on one final weekend.
Next Stop: Mexico City and the Fight for 2026
The battle for that final Red Bull-related seat will come down to Tsunoda’s performance in Mexico. He trails Lawson by just two points in the standings but has the momentum. The math is simple: outperform Lawson again, and he strengthens his case.
Marko isn’t just looking at points. He’s looking at communication, racecraft, and consistency — the kind of traits that turn drivers into long-term assets. For Tsunoda, Mexico isn’t just another race. It’s a make-or-break audition in front of the toughest audience in Formula 1.
And if Austin was any indication, Yuki Tsunoda is not done fighting yet.
