URGENT UPDATE: Red Bull Racing has confirmed an investigation into Yuki Tsunoda‘s troubling performance during the Italian Grand Prix on September 7, 2025. While teammate Max Verstappen celebrated victory, Tsunoda struggled throughout the race, finishing in 13th place amid mechanical issues.
Team principal Laurent Mekies revealed that Tsunoda’s car was compromised after making contact with Liam Lawson, the driver he replaced. “He was compromised because we’ve seen the damage and we’ve seen the performance loss,” Mekies stated. The incident occurred shortly after Tsunoda started in a scoring position, highlighting the urgency for him to secure points to maintain his spot with Red Bull.
As Tsunoda’s struggles continue, pressure mounts for him to deliver consistent results. Mekies confirmed that Tsunoda was driving an older-spec car, lacking the latest floor upgrade. “We had a floor upgrade only on Max’s car,” Mekies explained, emphasizing the need for improvements. “We think it worked okay, yeah.” The team aims to have the upgraded car ready for the next race, but the delay has put Tsunoda at a disadvantage on the track.
Despite showing potential, Tsunoda’s performance has not kept pace with Verstappen. Mekies acknowledged, “If I look back at the last couple of races, it’s quite similar… we probably have more work to do on the race pace than on the qualifying pace with Yuki.” This admission underscores the critical nature of the upcoming races for Tsunoda as he fights to prove his worth in the competitive F1 landscape.
During the race, Tsunoda’s collision with Lawson led to a significant loss of performance, resulting in a disappointing finish. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls showcased his talent by starting from the pit lane and earning a point, further highlighting Tsunoda’s struggles compared to his peers.
With potential reshuffling in the driver lineup for 2026, Tsunoda’s future hangs in the balance. Mekies stated, “It’s very difficult to get anything out of today,” referring to the challenging circumstances Tsunoda faced. As Red Bull’s management evaluates options, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this investigation unfolds and its impact on the team dynamics.
The race results reflected the competitive nature of the event, with Verstappen leading the pack, followed by top contenders like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from McLaren. With Tsunoda’s position in the standings now in jeopardy, every race becomes a high-stakes situation for the young driver.
As Red Bull Racing embarks on this investigation, the team will analyze video footage and data to understand the full extent of Tsunoda’s struggles. The outcome could have significant implications for not just his career, but also for Red Bull’s overall strategy moving forward. Fans are eager to see if Tsunoda can rise to the occasion in the upcoming races and secure his place within the prestigious team.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
