Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies says Yuki Tsunoda "deserves" another opportunity to race full-time in Formula 1 by 2027, despite the team demoting him to reserve driver after a disappointing 2025 season. Speaking to the Beyond the Grid podcast, as reported by Motorsport.com, Mekies expressed hope that the 25-year-old Japanese driver will find a racing seat elsewhere within the next two years.
Tsunoda scored just 30 points across 22 races for Red Bull in 2025, finishing 17th in the championship while teammate Max Verstappen claimed second place in the same machinery. Red Bull replaced Tsunoda with rookie Isack Hadjar for the 2026 season, who had impressed during his Racing Bulls stint with a podium at Zandvoort.
Why 2027 Represents Tsunoda's Best Shot
The 2027 timeline is crucial for several reasons. Multiple high-profile driver contracts expire at the end of 2026, including deals at Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren that could trigger a domino effect across the grid. Additionally, new technical regulations expected for 2028 mean teams may be more willing to take calculated risks on driver lineups in 2027 as they prepare for the regulatory reset.
"Any earlier return seems unlikely given how well established the current grid is," noted one paddock insider. "But 2027 could see significant movement that creates opportunities."
Mekies Acknowledges Team's Role in Struggles
"Yuki is doing a great job with us, not only as a reserve driver, but also as a simulator driver," Mekies explained. "Of course, we wish for him that there is an opportunity that comes soon because racing drivers are meant to race. It's fair to say that Yuki has shown significant speed in the past and we wish for him that another opportunity comes along the way."
Mekies also admitted Red Bull's historical weakness with second-car performance contributed to the situation, saying the team is "taking the learnings" and trying to improve "day after day."
What 'Deserves' Actually Means in Modern F1
Mekies' assertion that Tsunoda "deserves" another chance highlights Formula 1's complex relationship between merit and politics. While pure pace often takes a backseat to commercial considerations, sponsorship packages, and political maneuvering, Tsunoda's case presents an interesting test of whether demonstrated F1 experience still holds value.
"The word 'deserves' in F1 is always loaded," explained former team manager Steve Nielsen. "It's rarely just about lap times – it's about what package a driver brings and whether teams believe that package can help them achieve their goals."
History Not on Tsunoda's Side
Tsunoda faces significant historical precedent working against him. Demoted Red Bull drivers rarely return to top-tier seats, with most either moving to midfield teams or leaving the sport entirely. The last driver to successfully rehabilitate their career after a high-profile demotion was Nico Hulkenberg, though his path back took several years and multiple team changes.
Hadjar's strong 2026 start has effectively blocked any immediate return to Red Bull. The French rookie qualified third in Melbourne and notably outqualified four-time world champion Verstappen at Suzuka – something Tsunoda never achieved during his Red Bull tenure.
With the 2027 driver market still taking shape, Tsunoda's reserve role may prove either a valuable springboard back to racing or a comfortable but ultimately career-limiting position. Time will tell whether Mekies' faith in his former driver translates into concrete opportunities.
Source: Motorsport.com