Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies paid a heartfelt tribute to Yuki Tsunoda as the team announced that he will no longer compete as a race driver from 2026, instead taking up the role of test and reserve driver across Red Bull’s Formula 1 structure.

The reshuffle follows the confirmation that Isack Hadjar will line up alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull next year, while Arvid Lindblad will make his debut at Racing Bulls. Tsunoda had been considered for the seat alongside the young Briton, but the Faenza-based team ultimately chose to retain Liam Lawson.

Tsunoda’s difficult 2025 campaign did little to help his chances. After replacing Lawson at Red Bull following the opening two grands prix, the Japanese driver struggled to match Verstappen’s level in both qualifying and race pace. He has scored only 30 points compared with Verstappen’s 360 during their time together in the team, as the Dutchman heads into a three-way title decider in Abu Dhabi.

Despite the demotion, Mekies praised Tsunoda’s qualities both on and off the track.

“Yuki has raced in Red Bull colours for seven years now and I have had the pleasure of working with him at both Red Bull teams. Through his five seasons so far in Formula 1, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday,” Mekies said.

Mekies also highlighted Tsunoda’s popularity within the team.

“Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki, his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family. On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forwards.”

As part of his new position, Tsunoda will also take on Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) duties throughout the 2026 season. This opportunity is likely linked to Red Bull’s ongoing partnership with Honda, which has supported Tsunoda’s career from his junior days. Although Honda will no longer supply Red Bull with power units from 2026, the team still requires Honda engines for its TPC programme, allowing the collaboration to continue in a meaningful way.

Tsunoda’s new role ensures he will remain closely involved in Red Bull’s development projects while staying on the radar for future race opportunities.