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Tsunoda Says He Is 'Pissed Off' After Red Bull Ends His 2026 Race Role

He will serve as Red Bull's test and reserve driver in 2026 following the post-Qatar decision to elevate Isack Hadjar to the race seat.

Overview

  • Tsunoda said Helmut Marko told him privately after the Lusail race that he would not be racing next year.
  • Red Bull confirmed Isack Hadjar will step up to the senior team for 2026, with Arvid Lindblad joining Racing Bulls.
  • Tsunoda cited contract restrictions that limited talks with other teams despite outside interest in a 2026 drive.
  • Promoted to Red Bull two races into 2025, he scored 30 points across 21 starts while Max Verstappen set the team benchmark.
  • He expressed regret about leaving the Racing Bulls car he helped develop and plans to use 2026 to learn from a different perspective while staying ready for opportunities.