A confident comeback: Yuki Tsunoda's Red Bull resurgence.
Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda is feeling confident and ready to fight, despite facing replacement by Isack Hadjar for the 2026 season. Tsunoda's performance in Qatar's sprint qualifying, where he beat his teammate Max Verstappen to fifth place, has him excited and eager to prove himself further.
"It's been a smooth weekend so far," Tsunoda shared. "No issues in practice or qualifying, and I'm feeling more confident. The team is focused, and we're giving it our all."
But here's where it gets controversial: Tsunoda's recent improvements were almost thwarted by a team error in Las Vegas, where incorrect tire pressure ruined his race weekend. Despite this setback, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko acknowledged Tsunoda's consistent speed improvements and his growing involvement in the technical side of racing.
"His performance is improving, and he's more engaged," Marko said. "We're seeing progress."
And this is the part most people miss: Tsunoda's determination to make the most of his remaining races with Red Bull. With three more sessions to go, he's excited to find those extra tenths and showcase his skills.
So, what do you think? Is Tsunoda's confidence justified, or is this a temporary boost? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Photos from the Qatar GP sprint qualifying capture the action and excitement of this pivotal moment in Tsunoda's career. Check them out and join the discussion!
