Red Bull Should Keep Tsunoda For 2026

I hope they keep Tsunoda.

Yes, he finished dead last, but keep in mind that he had two penalties, the second of which was caused by the team.

Without those extra 20 seconds he would have finished P8, having started P19. That's pretty solid.

I know it's popular to bash whoever happens to be in the second RB seat, but it seems that Tsunoda is improving, and is working better with the team. I am not sure whether that is down to Mekies.

For next year, the rules change completely so everyone starts from zero.

Would it not be more beneficial to continue with a driver that is known to the team and that right now is talking and working with the same people who are designing and will be developing next season's car?

The other option is of course Hadjar. He has been an amazing rookie. But is he mature and experienced enough to help develop next year's Red Bull, especially when he has no established rapport with Red Bull engineers and, as a rising star, will be under tremendous pressure next to Max in a car that is expected to win?

As much as I like Yuki, I have to admit that it's a tough decision. Laurent Mekies has worked with both drivers, so I suppose that he already has an opinion on the matter, and a well-educated one at that.

Personally, I'd err on the side of caution and keep Yuki for '26, and let Hadjar mature in the lower pressure environment of the second team.