Tsunoda Named Red Bull Reserve Driver for 2025

Yuki Tsunoda has been appointed as the official reserve driver for Red Bull for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite being a strong candidate to replace Sergio Perez, Red Bull ultimately opted for teammate Liam Lawson to join reigning champion Max Verstappen. Tsunoda, who has shown improved performance over his four seasons with VCARB, will still have the opportunity to step into a race seat if either Lawson or Verstappen is unable to compete due to injuries or bans.

Should Tsunoda need to race, Ayumu Iwasa is positioned as the next reserve driver, as he holds the appropriate super-licence points. Team principal Christian Horner has acknowledged Tsunoda's speed but hinted at limitations regarding his fit within the top team. Red Bull has indicated that Tsunoda remains a key option should Lawson not meet expectations, reflecting the ongoing evaluation of driver performance within the organization.