Red Bull 'don't want Yuki Tsunoda' as under-pressure star told who will replace him

Jacques Villeuneve, 1997 F1 world champion, believes that 'don't want ' driving for the team and that they are already sizing up prodigy as his future replacement. Tsunoda was initially overlooked for a promotion that many felt was deserved at the end of the 2024 campaign, when Red Bull opted to drop Sergio Perez following a dismal campaign.

Instead, they promoted Liam Lawson, who had been out-qualified six-nil by the Japanese racer after stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo late in the year. However, Lawson lasted just two race weekends before Christian Horner and Helmut Marko opted to make a change. With no viable alternatives, Tsunoda was afforded a chance to drive alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team.

The initial signs after the swap were positive. Tsunoda showed pace throughout the free practice sessions in Japan, but qualifying proved his undoing and spoiled his debut weekend. Since then, the 24-year-old has been restricted to fighting at the lower end of the points, while Verstappen drops further and further away from.

According to Villeneuve, Tsunoda has reasons to be looking over his shoulder. Discussing Hadjar's performances, he told Sky Sports F1: "[He is doing] very well. Because Melbourne could have been, psychologically, a very tough moment, and he just stood straight and carried on - didn't get too affected the following race.

"But he seems to be able to work with the team. He seems to understand the car, to put it in a window that allows him to drive well. Because he seems to be out-driving that car. And why? Because he gets that set-up that makes it just more comfortable for him. He can be aggressive. And if I was Tsunoda, I would be worried right now."

Elaborating on his bold statement, Villeneuve continued: "Remember, Tsuonda was only ever there because of Honda. And they didn't put him in the main car last year because they don't want Tsunoda.

"But they didn't have a choice when Lawson wasn't up to scratch. And they're afraid that Hadjar is just too young, not ready, let's not burn him. But he's showing now that he might be ready."

With Hadjar looking strong throughout free practice in Imola, Tsunoda will be desperate to record a top-eight Grand Prix finish for the first time this season in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. His performances will be critical in 2025 as Red Bull battle Mercedes and Ferrari for second place in the Constructors' Championship standings.