Yuki Tsunoda 2026: What’s Happening, Salary, and Career Update

Few careers in Formula 1 have taken as many twists as Yuki Tsunoda’s: one moment he was dropped from Red Bull’s line-up for 2026, the next he was back behind the wheel at the Dutch Grand Prix. This article cuts through the speculation to what’s actually known: why he was sidelined, how he returned, and what his future in F1 looks like.

Age: 26 (born May 11, 2000) · Height: 159 cm · Nationality: Japanese · F1 debut: 2021 · Team for 2026: Racing Bulls (from Dutch Grand Prix)

Eight key facts about Tsunoda’s career and 2026 situation at a glance:

What’s happening to Yuki Tsunoda?

After being left without a full-time race seat for 2026, Yuki Tsunoda has returned to the grid in a surprise mid-season move. He replaced Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls for the Dutch Grand Prix, following an injury to Isack Hadjar. The call came last minute, and Tsunoda said he had been “dying to be in the car,” according to Formula1.com (the official F1 website).

Yuki Tsunoda returns to Racing Bulls for Dutch Grand Prix

PlanetF1 reported that Tsunoda was announced to race for Racing Bulls in Zandvoort alongside Arvid Lindblad after a driver change. The appearance is described as a three-race cameo, though the exact duration remains unconfirmed. His return confirms he remains an active F1 driver despite being off the starting grid for most of 2026.

The implication: Tsunoda’s return demonstrates that even a temporary seat can revive a driver’s career momentum.

Why is Red Bull dropping Yuki?

Red Bull has not publicly disclosed the exact reason for dropping Tsunoda from the senior team. Speculation includes performance inconsistency and prioritization of other drivers in the Red Bull program. According to (BBC Sport), Tsunoda was informed in early December 2025 that he would not have a full-time race seat for 2026.

Red Bull’s decision to drop Tsunoda from the senior team

Instead, Red Bull chose Isack Hadjar alongside Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing and Arvid Lindblad with Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls, leaving Tsunoda without a 2026 race seat, as reported by The Race (motorsport analysis outlet). Tsunoda was reassigned to test and reserve driver duties for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls, a role that kept him inside the Red Bull family but off the starting grid.

The implication: Red Bull’s driver pipeline prioritised younger talent over Tsunoda, despite his five seasons of F1 experience.

The implication: Red Bull’s development pipeline continues to prioritize younger drivers over experienced ones.

Is Yuki no longer an F1 driver?

As of mid-2026, Tsunoda was not on the driver grid for the start of the season. However, his return to Racing Bulls in August 2026 for the Dutch Grand Prix confirms he remains an active F1 driver. The comeback proves he is still in the conversation, even if his seat is temporary.

Tsunoda’s absence from the 2026 driver lineup

Formula1.com reported that Tsunoda entered 2026 in a reserve role after losing his race seat at the end of the 2025 season. He spent the first half of the year supporting Red Bull through debriefs and simulator work. The surprise call-up at Zandvoort ended his grid hiatus, at least for the weekend.

“I’m hungry to get back” — Yuki Tsunoda, speaking to Formula1.com about his reserve role.

Formula1.com

“Tsunoda moved to the role of Red Bull Test and Reserve Driver for 2026”

Red Bull official athlete page

The pattern: even in a reserve role, Tsunoda remained ready for an opportunity.

What is Yuki Tsunoda’s salary in 2026?

Exact salary figures for 2026 are not publicly disclosed. Historically, Tsunoda’s salary at Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) has been in the lower range of F1 drivers, estimated around $1-2 million per season according to industry estimates. No official figure exists for his reduced reserve role, which likely carries a lower retainer.

How Tsunoda’s salary compares to other drivers

F1 driver salaries vary wildly, with top earners like Max Verstappen reportedly making tens of millions. Tsunoda’s estimated range places him among the lower-paid drivers on the grid, reflecting his tenure and team budget. His 2026 compensation as a reserve driver may be further reduced, though contract terms remain undisclosed.

The catch: without public disclosure, any salary figure is speculative. The only certainty is that reserve roles pay less than race seats.

Did Yuki Tsunoda come from a wealthy family?

Tsunoda’s family was not notably wealthy. He was supported by Honda’s Formula Dream Project since 2016, which funded his junior career progression. He started karting at age 9 and moved through the ranks with Honda backing, not family wealth.

The role of Honda’s Formula Dream Project

According to Red Bull’s official athlete page, Tsunoda joined the Honda Formula Dream Project in 2016, which provided the financial support necessary to compete in Formula 4, Formula 3, and Formula 2 before reaching F1. His background contrasts with wealthier drivers who had family funding from early karting days.

Why this matters: Tsunoda’s path proves that talent and manufacturer backing can still open doors in a sport often seen as reserved for the privileged.

Timeline: Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 career

• 2000: Born in Sagamihara, Japan (Wikipedia)
• 2009: Started competitive karting at age 9 (Wikipedia)
• 2016: Joined Honda Formula Dream Project (Red Bull)
• 2018: Competed in F4 (Wikipedia)
• 2019: Competed in F3 (Wikipedia)
• 2020: Competed in F2 (Wikipedia)
• 2021: F1 debut with AlphaTauri (Formula1.com)
• Early 2026: Dropped from Red Bull’s plans (The Race)
• August 2026: Returns to Racing Bulls for Dutch Grand Prix (PlanetF1)

For Yuki Tsunoda, the 2026 season has been a lesson in resilience. From being pushed out of the race grid to a heartfelt return at Zandvoort, his journey mirrors the volatility of F1 itself. For the Japanese driver and his supporters, the implication is clear: stay ready, because in this sport, the next phone call can change everything.

Related reading: Josh Papalii Retirement, Career Stats & Personal Life (2026)

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