Red Bull’s ruthless approach in the 2025 Formula 1 season has put Yuki Tsunoda’s position within the team under serious threat, amid ongoing efforts to rebuild as a top championship contender. Following Christian Horner’s unexpected dismissal, former team boss Guenther Steiner indicated that Tsunoda faces uncertain job security at the Austrian outfit.

Red Bull acquired the struggling Jaguar F1 team and quickly transformed it into a dominant force, capturing numerous titles over the past two decades. Although they retained the drivers’ championship last year, Red Bull lost the constructors’ trophy to McLaren and has faced challenges throughout the early 2025 campaign. Compounding these issues is the possibility of star driver Max Verstappen departing for a rival team, while internal instability led to Horner’s removal as team principal.

In response to these pressures, Red Bull demands consistent point-scoring performances from both drivers. Verstappen has outperformed drastically, accumulating over sixteen times the points of the teammate occupying the second seat in the first half of the season. This stark contrast underscores Tsunoda’s struggles within the squad.

Guenther Steiner Signals Tsunoda Must Improve or Exit by Season’s End

Steiner, speaking on the Red Flags podcast, warned that Tsunoda’s future hinges on his ability to deliver stronger results promptly. He stressed that Red Bull will not hesitate to remove the driver if necessary, especially after making significant changes such as dismissing Horner and trading Liam Lawson.

“Yuki Tsunoda has to start scoring points. Otherwise, I expect he’ll have to leave by the end of the season at the latest. As much as we love him, and I love him, it’s going to be one or the other. He will have to bring performance. They fired Horner and traded [Liam] Lawson. So if he doesn’t get better, then he goes.” —Guenther Steiner, Former F1 Team Boss

Red Bull’s Swift Changes Highlight Team’s Urgency to Rebuild

Christian Horner’s firing, announced suddenly after the British Grand Prix, represented a seismic shake-up within the team’s leadership. This move signals the parent company’s strong desire to restore Red Bull’s standing at the top of Formula 1.

As Verstappen remains the team’s leading lights, Tsunoda’s morale and performance have come under the microscope. With only 10 points accumulated across 12 races, Tsunoda’s contribution has fallen far short of expectations, intensifying speculation about his contract status.

Yuki Tsunoda Expresses Gratitude Following Horner’s Departure

Amid the upheaval, Tsunoda acknowledged Horner’s role in securing his place at Red Bull and extended thanks for the support received throughout the year. Posting on social media, the Japanese driver reflected on what he learned under Horner’s guidance and expressed appreciation for being part of the team.

“Thank you Christian for all the support you’ve given me this year. it’s been amazing to see what you’ve built at @redbullracing and thank you for making me part of that. i’ve learned a lot and am grateful for everything.” —Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Driver

The ongoing scrutiny around Tsunoda’s performance and Horner’s removal underscores a critical phase for Red Bull, as the team looks to reaffirm itself among the sport’s elite. How Tsunoda responds in the coming races could determine his future with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, especially with Verstappen’s contract situation unresolved and the team’s championship ambitions at stake.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Did Yuki Tsunoda ever win a race?

A. Yuki Tsunoda started his journey to Formula One in 2016. He made his debut in the Japanese F4 championship at Suzuka. Throughout the series, Tsunoda achieved 10 race wins and stood on the podium 18 times. He also earned 12 pole positions and recorded five fastest laps.