Laurent Mekies issues an ultimatum to Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull F1: “We have time”
The team principal of the Austrian team praised the Japanese driver’s performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and commented on the team’s patience regarding its driver lineup for the 2026 season.
Yuki Tsunoda celebrates a positive weekend with Red Bull
Yuki Tsunoda finally enjoyed a successful weekend with Red Bull. Since taking over from Liam Lawson, the driver had struggled to score consistent points. Helmut Marko, the team’s advisor, admitted that they are considering various alternatives for next season, including the possibility of promoting Isack Hjar. However, his sixth-place finish in Baku could be a turning point in his career. In his post-race comments, Laurent Mekies maintained a calm tone: “It’s good news to see Yuki staying in the fight. He deserves it, which is why you see us taking it easy, because we have time. Why should we rush things?”
A change of mindset can be crucial
A good result in Formula 1 can mark a significant turning point in a driver’s career. Red Bull’s performance in 2026 will be crucial to securing Max Verstappen’s place on the team, so no unnecessary risks will be taken. The French-Algerian rookie has already achieved his first podium with the Racing Bulls and is emerging as one of the favorites to take the seat, although the team principal continues to have faith in Tsunoda’s progress: “Speed isn’t lost, drivers evolve. This is a business where confidence is essential, and you can see that Yuki’s confidence has been very high. And he has demonstrated that very convincingly.”
Opportunities to Prove His Worth
The Japanese driver has seven races remaining to convince the team that he deserves to keep his seat. In Baku, the feeling was positive after a strong defense against Lando Norris. However, the race in Azerbaijan was quite chaotic, with a qualifying session full of incidents that led to numerous position changes. Mekies emphasizes that there is still time to make decisions: “So we have more time. As we mentioned, we won’t wait until Abu Dhabi, but we definitely have several races ahead of us.”
Tsunoda’s Resilience Is Key
Yuki has had to face moments of great pressure. Liam Lawson has already experienced the intense demands of being part of Red Bull. Resilience is a fundamental aspect for excelling in the Milton Keynes project. In this context, the team principal highlighted Tsunoda’s attitude after the Hungarian Grand Prix: “He’s working tirelessly. He’s never given up. I mean, we talked after a tough moment in Budapest, and instead of taking a vacation, he went straight to the simulator; he said, ‘No, no, I’ll go back to the simulator with the team and we’ll work the next day.’”
The Pressure on Isack Hjar
Isack Hjar has established himself as one of the most promising rookies of 2025. However, resting on his laurels is not a viable option. Besides the possibility of Yuki Tsunoda retaining his seat, Red Bull has other options available, such as Arvid Lindbl, who already has a super license despite being only 17 years old. They could even consider bringing back Liam Lawson if circumstances allow.
Interesting Facts about Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda has become the first Japanese driver to compete for Red Bull Racing.
Before joining Red Bull, Tsunoda had a standout stint in Formula 2, where he demonstrated his talent and potential.
His aggressive driving style and ability to quickly adapt to track conditions have made him stand out among his peers.
Tsunoda’s hard-working mentality has been praised by his engineers and team members, who highlight his dedication and commitment.
Since his Formula 1 debut, he has accumulated considerable experience that has allowed him to grow as a driver with each race.
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