Tsunoda fights to keep Red Bull seat as Hadjar pressure grows

Aug.1 (GMM)  As Red Bull firm up plans around Max Verstappen for 2026, attention is shifting to who will partner the four-time world champion in the next regulation cycle.

Yuki Tsunoda, promoted to the senior team this year after Liam Lawson’s short-lived stint alongside Verstappen, admits the results haven’t been strong. But the Japanese driver insists his progress is evident inside the garage.

"Without the points, it's not ideal, but what definitely helps is that the engineers and garage on my side know that the progress is clear and the pace is clear," he said in Budapest.

He rejected direct comparisons to Verstappen. "He squeezes out performance every round," Tsunoda said. "I don't want to compare myself directly to him, because he's been driving this car for nine years and I've only just gotten into it."

Tsunoda also suggested he hasn't had equipment parity for most of the season.

"Let's wait until I get the same car. Until then, we can't be directly compared," he said.

Still, he welcomed the upgraded floor introduced on his side at Spa. "I had positive impressions in qualifying and afterwards about the improved floor. The race didn't go to plan, but the pace gave me confidence."

If Red Bull opt for change in 2026, Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar is viewed as the leading alternative. The 20-year-old has impressed in his first full season and remains a favourite of Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko.

"My season in Formula 2 with Hitech was terrible – at the time I thought I'd never make it to F1," Hadjar said. "But Helmut supported me and gave me a second chance."

Known for being self-critical, Hadjar says he’s learning to manage his mindset.

"A lot of people around me have told me to be a little more positive, because mechanics and engineers also need the optimism of the driver."]]>