Yuki Tsunoda is under increasing scrutiny after a dramatic collapse in form, and after Singapore, critics didn’t mince words: the Japanese driver has been told to admit he may simply not be good enough.
After what seemed like a breakthrough in Azerbaijan — where he qualified P6 and showed competitive race pace — things went downhill fast. His Singapore Grand Prix performance was disastrous by those standards, and prompted sharp criticism from pundits and former drivers alike.
From Baku Highs to Singapore Lows
In Baku, Tsunoda made headlines by qualifying sixth and holding position, earning praise from Laurent Mekies, Red Bull’s team principal. Mekies called it “his best race with us this year,” citing both speed and composure in defending against Lando Norris. That result briefly reignited belief in Tsunoda’s potential.
But Singapore was a stark contrast. He was knocked out in Q2 in 13th — the slowest among Red Bull’s two cars. He later claimed he couldn’t understand where the limitation was — “generally lack of grip overall” was his diagnosis.
Then came race day. Tsunoda had a terrible opening lap, losing several positions immediately, and later was lapped by his own teammate, Max Verstappen. Despite showing pockets of pace later, the damage had been done.
Tsunoda himself called that first lap “the worst start … ever,” admitting that he still couldn’t believe how bad it went. He insisted the race pace was among the best he’s had with Red Bull — but that makes the contrast all the starker.
“Completely Lost” — What Critics Are Saying
After Singapore, former driver Giedo van der Garde didn’t hold back. On Viaplay, he said Tsunoda’s interview and body language suggested a driver in real trouble. “He doesn’t know what to say or where to look. He’s completely lost. He has no one to blame. He can only look in the mirror and say he’s not good enough.”
Van der Garde’s words were harsh, but they reflect a narrative increasingly heard in the paddock: that Tsunoda’s inconsistencies are no longer excusable as part of a learning curve, but symptomatic of deeper limitations. Some now argue Red Bull must face the possibility that Tsunoda may not survive their 2026 lineup reshuffle.
Tsunoda’s Reaction & Self-Reflection
Despite the pressure, Tsunoda hasn’t shied from admitting where things went wrong. His candor — acknowledging the “worst start ever” and confessing confusion over his own lack of grip — contrasts with many drivers who deflect blame. That honesty could work in his favor, or be perceived as desperation.
He pointed out that while qualifying was poor, he believed his race pace had shown promise. That tension between qualifying failure and race recovery is central to assessing whether his strengths can be leveraged if the car gives him a chance.
However, critics like van der Garde see that very defense as dangerous. If a driver must often rely on race pace to bail him out, what happens when the car doesn’t allow that? The margin for error narrows at elite levels.
What It Means for Tsunoda’s Future
His Red Bull Seat Is Anything But Safe
Rumors abound that Tsunoda could be replaced by Isack Hadjar or demoted to a reserve role. The Singapore performance adds fuel to those rumors. One report suggests Tsunoda’s only hope is delivering a string of error-free, high-scoring results to justify retention.
Confidence & Pressure
A driver labeled “completely lost” faces a heavy psychological burden. Self-doubt can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If Tsunoda allows these critiques to undermine his confidence, we may see more erratic performances instead of turnaround.
Team’s Dilemma
Red Bull (and Racing Bulls) now must decide whether to continue investing in Tsunoda or pivot towards rising talents like Hadjar. It’s a tough call: loyalty and continuity versus maximizing results.
Narrative Shift
Ten months ago, Tsunoda was seen as a promising junior with speed but occasional inconsistencies. Now, the narrative is shifting: can he be more than that? Singapore may mark a turning point in how his tenure is viewed.
Final Thoughts
Yuki Tsunoda’s Singapore GP was not simply a bad weekend — it was a stark reckoning. The contrast between his Baku resurgence and Singapore collapse fuels serious questions about his consistency, mindset, and future in Red Bull’s plans.
He hasn’t backed away from self-critique, and that honesty could be a double-edged sword. But the critics aren’t whispering anymore — they’re demanding answers. If Tsunoda wants to remain in the conversation, he’ll need more than flashes of pace. He’ll need evidence, results, and assuredness — or risk being edged out by those waiting in the wings.
