Tsunoda on the Brink: Red Bull Star Facing Axe After Humiliating Singapore Showing
Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda is once again under fire, with former racing driver and F1 pundit Sam Bird suggesting that the Japanese driver’s time with the team is nearing its end. Speaking after a disappointing showing at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix, Bird didn’t hold back in his assessment, saying, “It’s just a matter of when, not if.”
Tsunoda’s recent form has been the subject of increasing scrutiny. Despite being handed a high-profile opportunity to return to Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen for the 2025 season, his performances have failed to convince. At Marina Bay, Verstappen stormed to a second-place finish, while Tsunoda struggled in the midfield, eventually crossing the line in a lowly 12th place — and notably, a lap down on his championship-leading teammate.
Bird pointed out the stark contrast in performances, highlighting Tsunoda’s inability to match Verstappen’s pace or capitalize on the RB21’s competitiveness. “He got lapped by his teammate and the frontrunners. That’s not the standard Red Bull expects,” Bird remarked, suggesting that the team’s patience may be wearing thin.
The rumor mill is already in motion. Young talents like Isack Hadjar, currently with Racing Bulls, are being tipped as likely successors in 2026. There’s also speculation that Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad could step into a Formula 1 seat as early as next year, potentially at Racing Bulls — setting the stage for an intense battle between Tsunoda and Liam Lawson for what could be the final remaining spot.
While Tsunoda has shown flashes of improvement and remains a fan favorite, especially in Japan, it appears he is on borrowed time unless he can deliver a series of standout performances soon.
