A vacancy has opened up at Red Bull Racing's top team, prompting Tsunoda Yuki (角田裕毅) to make an emergency return for the Dutch GP. Honda is introducing one of its biggest power unit upgrades of the season, raising expectations among Japanese fans.
Following F1's summer break, Tsunoda Yuki (角田裕毅) has been given an opportunity to make an emergency appearance ahead of the Dutch GP at Zandvoort. After losing his regular seat at the end of the 2025 season, he had spent this season as a test and reserve driver. Red Bull's Isack Hadjar (イサック・アジャー) is out with a wrist injury, while Lawson (ローソン) has been promoted to the senior team. This has created a vacancy for Tsunoda, whose return was decided at short notice after he received the call.
The preparation period for this appearance is short. After returning from his vacation in Greece, Tsunoda will be expected to complete his seat fitting with only around 2 full days before the race weekend. Although he has virtually no race experience in the current car, he has expressed confidence in his physical condition and ability to adapt.
Against the backdrop of Honda's introduction of one of its biggest power unit upgrades of the season, the team is watching Tsunoda's performance as an immediately effective driver. Racing Bulls recently moved ahead of Alpine into fifth in the constructors' standings, and sees this race as an opportunity for Tsunoda to demonstrate his value in pursuit of a seat next season.