P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Yuki Tsunoda was dropped from a full-time race seat at the end of the 2025 season.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has announced that Yuki Tsunoda will be making a return to F1 this year by participating in free practice sessions.
Tsunoda had been dropped by Red Bull at the end of the 2025 season due to a tough season where he struggled to score points.
Despite this, he continues to be a part of Red Bull as their test and reserve driver for the upcoming season.
Although Tsunoda recently had a dramatic demo run that ended with the car catching fire during commercial activities in the USA, Permane believes his experience will be crucial in the team’s car development with the new F1 regulations.
Permane expressed his satisfaction with having Yuki still a part of the team and highlighted how valuable his input will be, especially in simulator running.
Most notably, Tsunoda will not only have a role in testing and simulator work but is also scheduled to drive in certain free practice sessions, providing his expertise during race weekends.
