Tsunoda Should Be “Thankful” For F1 Career, Says Villeneuve
Yuki Tsunoda should count his blessings for the time he’s had in Formula 1, according to former champion Jacques Villeneuve, who didn’t mince words about the driver’s departure from Red Bull.
“Tsunoda should be happy and thankful that he’s had such a long and fruitful career in the first place,” Villeneuve said in a recent interview.
The 1997 World Champion claims that Red Bull’s decision to replace Tsunoda wasn’t a surprise to anyone – including Tsunoda himself.
“We all knew that months ago. It’s not an announcement. Lawson was the last question mark; they were just waiting,” he explained.
Villeneuve believes Tsunoda had already accepted his fate well before it became public.
“Tsunoda knew it as well; you could see it in his demeanour. Even Honda wasn’t really super positive about it; you could tell the message had already been passed.”
Despite the disappointment, Villeneuve insists this isn’t the end for the Japanese driver’s racing career.
“He got his chance, and it didn’t work out. But he has made a big name for himself.”
The 54-year-old pointed out that Tsunoda’s future still looks bright, especially in his home country.
“He still has a long future in racing, and he will continue to earn a lot of money racing. He may go back to race in Japan. He is a star there now, and normally that lasts forever. So he has made his name; he is fine.”
Red Bull recently confirmed that Tsunoda will be replaced by Isack Hadjar for the 2026 season. The Japanese driver isn’t leaving the team completely though – he’ll stay on as a reserve driver.
## Mekies Wants Strong Qualifying From Tsunoda in Abu Dhabi
Team principal Laurent Mekies has called on Tsunoda to deliver one last strong performance in his final race.
Mekies specifically wants Tsunoda to qualify well at the Yas Marina circuit, as the team pushes to help Max Verstappen secure his fifth Drivers’ Championship in the season finale.
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