Yuki Tsunoda F1 profile: career stats, Red Bull journey, 2026 reserve role, race number, Japanese GP history and official Tsunoda gear.
Yuki Tsunoda enters the second half of 2026 as [Red Bull's](/teams/red-bull-racing) experienced reserve driver, and remains close enough to the action to be called back onto the Formula 1 grid when required. After spending most of 2025 alongside [Max Verstappen](/drivers/max-verstappen) at Oracle Red Bull Racing, Tsunoda moved out of a full-time race seat for 2026 but has remained embedded within Red Bull's F1 operation.
Who is Yuki Tsunoda?
Yuki Tsunoda is a Japanese Formula 1 driver who made his F1 debut with AlphaTauri in 2021 and raced for Oracle Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen during most of the 2025 season. Born in Sagamihara, Japan, on May 11, 2000, Tsunoda races under number 22 and serves as a Red Bull reserve driver in 2026. His best Formula 1 race result is fourth place at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Yuki Tsunoda: Fast Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| **2026 Role** | Red Bull reserve driver / substitute race driver |
| **2026 Race Appearances** | Racing Bulls substitute |
| **Date of Birth** | 11 May 2000 |
| **Birthplace** | Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan |
| **Nationality** | Japanese |
| **Age** | 26 in 2026 |
Yuki Tsunoda F1 Career Stats
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| **F1 Debut** | Bahrain GP, 2021 |
| **Race Wins** | 0 |
| **Podiums** | 0 |
| **Best Grand Prix Finish** | 4th, Abu Dhabi, 2021 |
| **2025 Best Finish** | 6th, Azerbaijan |
| **Career Race Number** | #22 |
Yuki Tsunoda and Honda
Tsunoda's relationship with Honda is fundamental to his career story. Backed by the Honda Formula Dream Project and the Red Bull Junior Team, he enjoyed a meteoric rise through the junior ranks. This pathway carried him through Formula 2 and ultimately to his F1 debut with AlphaTauri, cementing his status as Honda's driver in the modern era.
Yuki Tsunoda F1 Career Timeline
The AlphaTauri / Racing Bulls Years (2021–2024)
Tsunoda debuted for Scuderia AlphaTauri in 2021, scoring points in his very first race in Bahrain. His early career was marked by flashes of immense speed paired with fiery team radio outbursts. He matured significantly over the next three seasons, eventually becoming the clear team leader at AlphaTauri (rebranded to [Racing Bulls](/teams/racing-bulls) in 2024) and consistently dragging the car into the points.
Red Bull Racing Promotion and Reserve Role (2025–2026)
After Red Bull initially selected [Liam Lawson](/drivers/liam-lawson) to replace Sergio Perez for 2025, the team reversed course after the opening two Grands Prix. Tsunoda was promoted from Racing Bulls to Oracle Red Bull Racing for his home [Japanese Grand Prix](/races/japanese-grand-prix) at Suzuka, partnering Max Verstappen for the remainder of the season. The promotion proved challenging. Tsunoda struggled to consistently extract performance from the Red Bull across 2025, although flashes of competitiveness, including sixth place in Azerbaijan, demonstrated his underlying pace. For 2026, with [Isack Hadjar](/drivers/isack-hadjar) taking the full-time seat alongside Verstappen, Tsunoda moved into the official reserve role, though mid-season injuries saw him called back to the grid as a substitute for Racing Bulls.
Yuki Tsunoda at the Japanese Grand Prix
Tsunoda is a superstar in his home country. The [Japanese Grand Prix](/races/japanese-grand-prix) at Suzuka becomes the "Yuki Tsunoda show," with fans wearing custom-made merchandise, helmets, and even costumes dedicated to him. His senior Red Bull debut notably happened at his home race in 2025, drawing a passionate reception. His official helmet archive confirms dedicated Japanese GP designs, solidifying his status as a national sporting hero.
Recommended Yuki Tsunoda Gear
- **1:2 Scale Mini Helmets:** Tsunoda's Japanese Grand Prix helmet designs are collectible, with limited-edition Suzuka releases offering a strong display option for fans.
- **Red Bull Track Gear:** Official Red Bull Racing apparel from his 2025 stint is a unique addition to any collection.
- **Racing Bulls / AlphaTauri Apparel:** Look for legacy teamwear featuring his number 22, which remains sought after by collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Yuki Tsunoda?
Born on May 11, 2000, Yuki Tsunoda is 26 years old for the majority of the 2026 season.
Is Yuki Tsunoda racing in F1 in 2026?
Yes, although he started the year as Red Bull's official reserve driver, he returned to the grid mid-season as a substitute race driver for Racing Bulls.
What happened to Yuki Tsunoda?
After racing for Red Bull Racing for most of 2025, Tsunoda struggled to match the car's potential and was replaced by Isack Hadjar for 2026, transitioning to a reserve role before returning as a substitute.
Why did Yuki Tsunoda leave Red Bull?
Tsunoda found the difficult Red Bull machinery challenging to master consistently across the 2025 season, leading the team to promote Isack Hadjar into the race seat for 2026.
Is Yuki Tsunoda still with Red Bull?
Yes, Tsunoda remains embedded within the Red Bull ecosystem as an official reserve driver and substitute.
What is Yuki Tsunoda's race number?
Yuki Tsunoda races with the number 22.
Has Yuki Tsunoda won an F1 race?
No, Tsunoda has not yet won a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
What is Yuki Tsunoda's best F1 finish?
His career-best result is a 4th place finish at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
When did Yuki Tsunoda join Red Bull Racing?
Tsunoda was promoted to the senior Red Bull Racing team ahead of the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, replacing Liam Lawson for the remainder of that season.
Is Yuki Tsunoda a Honda driver?
Yes, Tsunoda has been backed by the Honda Formula Dream Project throughout his career and remains closely associated with the manufacturer.
Where is Yuki Tsunoda from?
He is from Sagamihara in the Kanagawa prefecture of Japan.
Where can I buy Yuki Tsunoda merchandise?
Official merchandise, including his popular 1:2 scale helmets, can be found via the Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls official stores, or through licensed motorsport retailers.