P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Racing Bulls explain Yuki Tsunoda ‘respect’ decision before Red Bull seat axe
Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane delayed announcing the 2026 driver line-up out of respect for Yuki Tsunoda, who struggled at the senior Red Bull team and was replaced by Isack Hadjar.
Tsunoda was being considered for a return to Racing Bulls, competing with Liam Lawson and F2 rookie Arvid Lindblad for a seat.
The final decision was made after the Qatar GP, with Lawson and Lindblad selected for Racing Bulls, and Tsunoda being demoted to third and reserve driver duties for both teams.
Permane explained the delay, as the initial announcement was planned for Mexico but was postponed to avoid distractions during Red Bull’s constructors’ championship battle.
The decision was made to allow Tsunoda to have a final race with Red Bull Racing out of respect, although it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s his last race in Formula 1.
