12/09/2025 12:00
Yuki Tsunoda has acknowledged the need for more point-scoring races
to ensure his future within the Red Bull squad. Having been
overlooked for a Red Bull promotion at the start of the year in
favour of Liam Lawson, Tsunoda got his chance after two rounds amid
struggles for the New Zealander. Tsunoda has faced his own
challenges at the Milton Keynes-based squad, scoring points just
once in the last nine grands prix. His results have placed his
future with the Red Bull team in doubt, with Racing Bulls rookie
star Isack Hadjar being linked with his drive for next season. When
asked by RacingNews365 if he feels he is doing enough to secure a
2026 seat, Tsunoda replied: "Whether it's enough or it's not
enough, it's up to them. "I'm just squeezing the performance from
the current package I've got. I'm just pushing every single room
that they gave me, and it's clear that I'm able to make the
progress race by race. "But also at the same time, we need the
points. That's something that we can see clearly on the paper and
that's what I'm working on. "So overall, I don't know. It's up to
them, I just have to keep pushing." Tsunoda has to 'believe' in
himself Tsunoda ended the Italian Grand Prix last weekend in 13th,
dropping down the order after starting inside the top 10. The
Japanese driver highlighted his frustration with picking up damage
in contact with Liam Lawson, but feels he is making steps forward
when it comes to qualifying performance. "It's a tough situation
but at the same time [my] quali lap is getting better and better,"
he said. "There are some positives, which help me a lot. "But long
runs, there's room that I can work on a little bit more, but at the
same time, like [the Italian GP], which didn't help me from the
damage, it's not easy. "But I just have to keep fighting and turn
up and believe in myself."
