I’m guessing RBR is going to throw the constructors in the bin again because you might as well focus on getting a good start in 2026 instead of being weighed down by a poor driver selection right now. They really don’t have good options for 2025 at the moment (unless they buy someone else out, which I doubt). In that light they might give Tsunoda a one year contract because he’ll probably score more points than Perez and RBR get to see if he’s willing to play ball with the team. If not they’ll just pick someone else for 2026.
There is something to be said about throwing the constructors championship this and next season as it will mean more wind tunnel time and other resources to help the transition to the new regulations in 26.
I would be extremely surprised if they give Yuki a shot, they just do not rate him at all and only recently even remembered he was even an option for that main seat. Max has been clear that he wants no drama just racing, and I suspect that they worry Yuki will be a bit combustible.
The risk they have for 26 is that Max leaves and then they have three drivers left who they do not rate. That really limits their options to get in another world class driver to replace Max, they kind of stuck trying to buy someone whose just out of contract like LeClerc, assuming the rumors aren’t true of his last contract being till 29.
The only reason I’m thinking they’re going with Yuki is because who else is there? Lawson and Colapinto look like they’re going to bomb out like Gasly did. Bottas to my knowledge has said RBR doesn’t want him. I love Ricciardo but he seemed as washed as Perez. Even if they bring Hadjar up to F1 there’s no way he goes straight into RBR. Maybe Albon is up for grabs, but would he really want to drive the RBR again knowing he won’t be confident in that car?
Yuki is far from the ideal pick, especially because he doesn’t look like he’s ready to be the number 2 driver, but the options are so limited that if they don’t pick Yuki they might as well continue with Perez.
I believe they have now asked Albon twice since he left saying no both times due to Max, and he hasn’t been part of their stable since 22. I think this is the smart move for him as he knows being in Red Bull against Max is just not good for his mental health. I can see Albon back at Red Bull if Max leaves, which at the start of the season was a remote possibility.
Danny left the Red Bull stable when he left RB this year, he could have stayed as an ambassador but chose not to, so I am extremely doubtful he will ever come back to Red Bull F1.
I agree about any rookies, unless they are a generational talent then its just too risky, and counter productive, and if they are, then expect massive fireworks like McLaren 07.
They have had both Fernando and Lewis ask about seats, with Fernando having similar discussions to Albon start of this season. Carlos they turned down, despite discussions, that has to be similar to why they got rid of Carlos in the first place.
