Yuki Tsunoda remains motivated despite speculation surrounding his future at Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda insists that his motivation remains strong for the rest of the 2025 season despite a difficult outing at the Mexican Grand Prix. Speaking to the media, including Sportskeeda, the Red Bull Racing driver emphasized that his focus and determination have not wavered, despite uncertainty about his future.

With growing speculation that Isack Hadjar could replace him in 2026, Tsunoda’s performances have come under scrutiny. The Japanese driver finished 11th in Mexico, one of his closest performances to Max Verstappen in terms of race pace, but was unable to secure points.

Tsunoda maintained that he remains fully motivated for the final races of the year. He highlighted that his performances in the second half of the season have improved as he continues to build momentum and confidence. Despite the setbacks, he believes he is moving in the right direction and remains optimistic about ending the season on a stronger note.

Asked if he had changed his approach at the start since it was the best start of the season, Yuki Tsunoda replied:

“Oh, no. I mean. motivate myself.”

Asked by Sportskeeda if he was motivated enough for the remaining races on the calendar despite the lack of results or security over his future, he replied:

“I'm always motivated. I mean, especially in the second half of the season. I think at least I consistently show some bright things. Today also could have end up easily with a thing that I can bring it back home, quite nicely to the team. But, yeah. I think it's the right direction. I'm still motivated, obviously.”

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Yuki Tsunoda hopes Red Bull accounts for Mexican GP performance in the 2026 driver decision

Yuki Tsunoda admitted that there has been no indication from Red Bull on when a decision will be made regarding their 2026 driver lineup. Speaking after the Mexican Grand Prix, the Japanese driver said that despite speculation of an announcement following the race, there has been no communication from the team about any timeline.

Tsunoda explained that his priority remains on delivering consistent performances and maximizing results regardless of external factors. He believes he did everything possible to extract the best result in Mexico, even if the outcome was affected by circumstances beyond his control. The Red Bull Racing driver hopes that his performance and effort over the weekend will be taken into consideration when the team finalizes its decision.

Asked how important the Mexican GP performance has been with a driver decision by Red Bull pending, Yuki Tsunoda replied:

“I don't know, I mean, you guys also don't. I'm sure you guys don't know when exactly they' gonna decide, so which you guys saying Mexico, but also, I'm sure you guys don't know. Also, I don't know as well. So exactly. But I think until today, especially today, I maximise, I have confidence that I maximise things I can control the pace everything and the start. and the point today wasn't easy, like I said possible, so, yeah., they consider that, but also, let's see, it's just it's up to them, but I just keep pushing where I can control and, let's see.”

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that the team is in no rush to finalize its driver lineup for the 2026 season. Speaking to the media, including Sportskeeda in Mexico, Mekies explained that Red Bull intends to give its drivers ample time until the end of the season to present their case.

However, he assured that the final decision will be announced before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The upcoming decision will determine the futures of Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and Isack Hadjar within the Red Bull camp, with all three drivers currently in contention for a seat next year.