(Motorsport-Total.com) – The surprising participation at the Dutch Grand Prix as a replacement for the injured Isack Hadjar means much more for Yuki Tsunoda than just a temporary role at Racing Bulls. After his departure from Red Bull Racing at the end of 2025 and the subsequent role as a reserve driver, the race weekend in Zandvoort serves as an important stage for his motorsport future.
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Although the conditions at a sprint weekend with only one free practice are extremely complex and the Japanese driver has not competed in a race since the end of last year, he wants to use the opportunity to draw attention to himself again in the paddock.
Since the prospects for a permanent Formula 1 cockpit for the 2027 season currently look slim, Tsunoda has already reached out to other racing series in recent weeks. According to Motorsport.com USA, a sister edition of Motorsport-Total.com in the Motorsport Network, he has held talks, among others, in the US IndyCar series with the Meyer Shank Racing team – where he is competing with Mick Schumacher.
However, the unplanned return to the F1 grid now gives him the chance to promote himself on the biggest stage in motorsport. When asked about his goals for the weekend in Zandvoort, the Japanese driver points to the value of real driving practice.
“It is always good to deliver performance, which is also my goal,” he explains. He has to give his one hundred percent performance anyway. “It makes a big difference whether you have this chance or not. In talks with other teams, you always try to sell yourself with words, but as a racing driver, you always want to prove yourself on the track.”
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Although Tsunoda emphasizes that Formula 1 remains his top priority, he is open to alternatives outside the premier class to avoid a second season without a fixed cockpit. Management handles the negotiations while he focuses on driving. (This is how Tsunoda learned about his comeback)
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“It is not my job to take care of these things. I leave that completely to my manager. My job is simply to drive fast,” says Tsunoda. The mindset remains fully focused on the premier class: “My mentality is always in Formula 1. My main goal is always to drive and succeed in Formula 1. That is always there, no matter what happens.”
However, he rules out another year as a reserve: “I also don’t want to stand around in the garage for two years. I want to drive. So if something potential happens or I don’t find a cockpit in Formula 1 for next year, I have to look at other series. But until the moment I go to the racetrack next year, I am fully focused on Formula 1.”
Tsunoda remains realistic about the limited seats in the field but is grateful for the given opportunity. It is always a tough environment to have a cockpit here. He acknowledges how difficult and special it is to be part of it.
“No matter the situation, I am very grateful. If this becomes the trigger for me to hopefully drive here next year, I would be very happy. It is not in my control, so I just want to enjoy it and deliver performance.”
Regarding concrete results for the Zandvoort weekend, the Japanese driver remains cautious as he lacks experience with the 2026 car generation. Having only one free practice will be tricky, he explains. That is exactly why he sets no expectations. “For now, I just enjoy it and have fun.” Something he has wished for a long time.
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