Yuki Tsunoda fate soon decided as he qualifies P11 in Abu Dhabi
Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda narrowly missed advancing to Q3 in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing 11th at Yas Marina Circuit. Despite the setback, Tsunoda outpaced his teammate for the sixth consecutive time, highlighting his dominance within the team. However, the pressure is mounting in what could be a career-defining weekend for the Japanese driver.
Tsunoda’s performance this season has been a focal point as Red Bull Racing evaluates its driver lineup. While he has consistently outperformed Liam Lawson, including a flawless 6-0 qualifying tally, there is speculation that Red Bull’s decision-makers may already favor Lawson for the senior team seat in 2026. The widely held assumption that Sergio Perez will depart, with Lawson stepping in, has left many F1 insiders and Japanese fans questioning the rationale behind such a move.
Near Miss and Determination
Reflecting on his qualifying result, Tsunoda expressed both frustration and determination. “Yeah, we expected it to be tough given the circumstances, but I was hoping to go beyond expectations. It’s disappointing not to make it through,” he said.
Traffic on track and in the pit lane compounded the challenge. “It was tricky out there with so many cars on track. You have to be so precise, especially when every second matters,” Tsunoda noted.
Pressure to Perform
Tsunoda’s consistent performances have bolstered his reputation within AlphaTauri, but the stakes this weekend go far beyond his position in the team. With Red Bull’s driver market in flux and Sergio Perez’s future uncertain, Tsunoda is acutely aware that his performance in Abu Dhabi could influence the long-term trajectory of his career.
Despite the speculation, Tsunoda remains optimistic about the race. “Anything can happen tomorrow. I’ll do my best and focus on moving forward,” he said. “It’s about learning from today and stepping up for the race. There’s always a chance to turn things around.”
A Strong Mindset Amid High Stakes
Despite the external pressures, Tsunoda has maintained his composure and pride in the team’s progress. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made as a team. We’ll give it everything tomorrow and see what’s possible,” he said.
Drama at the Front and Back of the Grid
At the top of the grid, Lando Norris delivered a commanding performance to claim pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, leading teammate Oscar Piastri in a McLaren front-row lockout. Carlos Sainz of Ferrari rounded out the top three.
In a shock turn of events, Lewis Hamilton’s final qualifying session with Mercedes ended in disappointment as the seven-time world champion exited in Q1. Hamilton will start from P16, leaving fans and the team with a bittersweet moment as his Mercedes chapter nears its close.
As the season finale approaches, Tsunoda’s journey exemplifies the relentless pressure and unpredictability of Formula 1. With his future in the balance, all eyes will be on the Japanese driver as he fights to deliver a standout performance in Abu Dhabi.
