The two drivers exchanged signed helmets as a goodbye gift, marking the end of their time together as team-mates. A photo of the moment was shared online, with the caption reading: “Arigato Yuki-san “.
Tsunoda, 25, will remain with Red Bull in 2026, but only in a reserve role. His race seat has been given to Isack Hadjar, who has been promoted into the senior team for the first season under Formula 1’s new technical regulations.
Red Bull have confirmed that Racing Bulls will field Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad as their race drivers, leaving Tsunoda without a full-time seat for the new era of the sport.
Tsunoda took over the second Red Bull RB21 from Lawson two races into the 2025 season but struggled to deliver the consistent results the team expected. While he showed flashes of speed and improved feedback, he was unable to regularly match Verstappen’s pace or challenge at the front of the grid.
Red Bull have continued to face long-term difficulties with their second car. Since Daniel Ricciardo left at the end of 2018, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Sergio Perez have all failed to secure the position permanently.
Verstappen has previously spoken about the challenge of the role and said the team “always demand the maximum from both sides of the garage”.
The helmet exchange marked a respectful end to Tsunoda’s time as a Red Bull race driver, as Verstappen and the team now prepare for a new chapter in 2026.
