Red Bull’s Pressure Cooker: Tsunoda Trapped in the Most Feared Seat!

Yuki Tsunoda’s promotion to Red Bull Racing this season was meant to be a turning point. After replacing Liam Lawson, who was demoted back to the junior team Visa Cash App Racing Bulls for underperforming, all eyes were on Yuki to prove he was more than just a temporary fix.

But three races in, and the cracks are already beginning to show.

The Pressure Builds in Montreal

At the Canadian Grand Prix, Tsunoda battled back from a 10-place grid penalty after overtaking under red flags in FP3. Despite recovering to 12th place with a long stint on hards followed by mediums, it still wasn’t enough to break into the points.

Speaking to F1.com, Tsunoda admitted the pressure was getting to him. This marked his third consecutive point-less weekend.

“I’m not enjoying them that much, but it’s part of the time that [is] an opportunity to improve myself and prove myself more.”

The sentiment was clear. The weight of the seat, the expectations of the team, and the media scrutiny are all pressing hard—and Tsunoda knows it.

Lawson Out, Tsunoda In

Earlier this year, Liam Lawson was sidelined after failing to deliver under pressure. Red Bull acted fast. Tsunoda, after showing strong performances with the junior team, got the call-up. It was framed as a reward—but anyone familiar with Red Bull’s second seat knows it often feels more like a trap.

Historically, that role beside Verstappen has devoured talented drivers. Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and even Sergio Pérez have all felt the heat. For Tsunoda, stepping into that cockpit meant stepping into a firestorm.

Struggling with the RB21

Tsunoda’s issues extend beyond racecraft. The RB21 has been difficult to manage. In Spain, he qualified last and said openly he didn’t understand why the car was lacking grip. Even with setup changes, tyre wear was excessive and performance unpredictable.

Max Verstappen continues to extract the most from the car. Tsunoda, on the other hand, is still fighting to find confidence and consistency. Christian Horner has publicly noted that the team is working on understanding the struggles, but Red Bull doesn’t wait long for solutions.

From Hot-Head to Holding On

Tsunoda’s earlier career was marked by emotion—infamous radio outbursts and high-profile clashes, including a controversial moment with Daniel Ricciardo last year in Bahrain. But recently, he’s shown more composure and emotional growth. Some say this new maturity is what finally earned him the Red Bull seat.

Still, maturity alone doesn’t bring points.

With pressure from the paddock, media, and the Red Bull camp itself, Tsunoda’s fight is no longer just with the RB21—it’s with expectations.

Our View at 99 Bends

In our sim racing community, we often talk about what makes a great driver. It’s not just speed. It’s adaptability. Composure. Mental strength. And right now, Tsunoda is facing the toughest test of his career.

He’s not just racing the other 19 drivers on track. He’s racing Red Bull’s ruthless standard.

And if history is any guide, there are only two outcomes in that seat—rise spectacularly, or fall fast.

What’s Next?

Austria is coming. Red Bull’s home turf. If Tsunoda is going to prove he belongs, it starts there. Rumors of upgrades are circulating, and a clean weekend could buy him breathing room.

But the margin for error? It’s razor thin.

At 99 Bends, we’ll be watching closely—because if Yuki can tame the curse of that second seat, he won’t just survive Red Bull.

He’ll make history.

– Keith
Director, 99 Bends Trackside Singapore
“Where Formula 1 lives off track, too.”