Tsunoda details last-minute call behind his surprise return

Yuki Tsunoda will replace Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls for the Dutch Grand Prix after Red Bull announced Lawson’s promotion to the senior team while Isack Hadjar recovers from a wrist injury. The move leaves an empty seat at Racing Bulls, which Tsunoda will fill for the weekend. Tsunoda, who lost his full-time seat at the end of 2023 and now serves as a reserve driver, expressed excitement about the opportunity, though he admitted having less than two days to prepare for the return. He described the call as a mix of excitement and doubt, arriving in Zandvoort after initially hearing the news while on vacation in Greece.

Tsunoda faces the challenge of adapting quickly to the current car generation, having spent the season observing from the sidelines. He confirmed he had completed only a couple of TPCs (team practice sessions) before the race, emphasizing the need to familiarize himself with the machinery. Racing Bulls, now fifth in the constructors’ standings ahead of Alpine, will look to Tsunoda to help maintain their position as the ‘best of the rest’ in the final races of the season. The team’s recent progress adds pressure to his comeback, though Tsunoda framed the weekend as a chance to prove his readiness for a potential seat in 2025.

The Japanese driver made no secret of his ambition to regain a full-time role, acknowledging that opportunities for 2027 are dwindling as teams prioritize retaining current line-ups. Tsunoda stressed that this weekend is his chance to demonstrate his capabilities on track rather than through discussions, calling it a ‘good opportunity’ to showcase his skills. He expressed gratitude to both Red Bull and Racing Bulls for the opportunity, framing the race as a platform to deliver strong performance while enjoying the return to competition.

Tsunoda downplayed concerns about his immediate future, stating that decisions about 2025 seats are beyond his control for now. He reiterated his focus on performing well in the Dutch Grand Prix, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the moment after months of watching races from the sidelines. The driver’s determination to prove himself reflects his long-standing desire to compete at the highest level, with this weekend serving as a critical test of his readiness to reclaim a race seat in Formula 1.