Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner has outlined a clear objective for Yuki Tsunoda ahead of his debut alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen—finish as close as possible to the Dutch driver and contribute to the team’s progress in the 2025 Formula One season.
Tsunoda, 24, steps into Red Bull’s senior team after replacing Liam Lawson, who was demoted following two challenging races.
The Japanese driver is set to partner Verstappen for the first time at the upcoming Suzuka Grand Prix, where Tsunoda will race in front of a home crowd.
Red Bull currently stands third in the constructors’ championship after two races, with Verstappen holding second place in the drivers’ standings, trailing McLaren’s Lando Norris by eight points.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Tsunoda shared insights into his new role: “Performance-wise, [Horner] wants me to be as close to Max as possible. In some races, I can help with strategy, but he promised me that if I can stay ahead of Max, I won’t necessarily be asked to swap positions.”
Liam Lawson, Tsunoda’s predecessor, struggled to adapt in his short stint at Red Bull. The New Zealand driver qualified 18th at the season opener in Melbourne before crashing out and finished last in China’s main event and sprint race. Verstappen subtly expressed disapproval of Lawson’s demotion by liking an Instagram post describing it as a “panic move.”
Tsunoda, who debuted in Formula One in 2021 with Red Bull’s second team, acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “I know what I want to do and how I think Max drives.” Setting realistic expectations for his debut in Suzuka, Tsunoda added, “If I can score points—top 10—I’ll be happy.”
