Sergio Perez’s all-but-likely departure from Red Bull Racing is sending shockwaves through Formula 1. With the seat alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen up for grabs, the focus has shifted to Red Bull’s young guns: Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson. But reports suggest that unless Tsunoda pulls off something extraordinary in Abu Dhabi, Lawson might be the favorite to land F1’s most scrutinized seat. And that? Well, it’s not sitting well with fans.

The F1 community isn’t thrilled, but not because they dislike Lawson. Instead, they’re frustrated by what they see as Red Bull once again turning a blind eye to a deserving driver in favor of fresh potential. Tsunoda has earned his stripes, and many believe it’s about time he got his shot.

Yuki Tsunoda has done everything he can to prove he belongs to a top team. From an impressive recovery after a rocky rookie year to consistently outpacing teammates like Daniel Ricciardo, Nyck de Vries, and yes, even Liam Lawson, Tsunoda has shown growth, maturity, and speed. Yet, Red Bull seems unconvinced. Reports indicate that Red Bull views Lawson as the more promising candidate, citing his mental toughness and ability to thrive under pressure.

While Tsunoda’s raw speed isn’t in question—his qualifying record alone proves that—Red Bull doesn’t believe he has the dependability or technical feedback needed for a high-pressure role alongside Verstappen. Adding to Tsunoda’s uphill battle is his association with Honda, Red Bull’s soon-to-be-ex-engine supplier.

Despite being part of Red Bull’s junior program since 2019, Tsunoda has always been seen as more of a Honda-backed driver. With Honda set to join Aston Martin in 2026, Red Bull’s lack of investment in Tsunoda’s long-term prospects is starting to show. In fact, earlier this season when rumors of the silly season were in full swing, some fans even expected Yuki Tsunoda to take the Aston Martin seat if Fernando Alonso chose to leave.

For Tsunoda, the situation has become increasingly frustrating. In Qatar, he openly asked journalists to direct their questions about his Red Bull future to the team itself, signaling his confusion and exasperation. Clearly, he’s been left in the dark about his prospects—and fans are taking notice.

Fans speak out: “Hope Yuki Leaves”

If there’s one thing the F1 fanbase knows how to do, it’s rally behind an underdog. Social media has been buzzing with outrage over Tsunoda’s apparent snub, with many calling out Red Bull’s methods and expressing disbelief at the team’s rumored choice. One fan vented on X, “Yuki has been proving himself for years while Lawson’s been here five minutes. If Red Bull doesn’t give Yuki a chance, what’s the point of their junior program?” Yuki Tsunoda’s entry into the then-named Alpha Tauri team came back in 2021, with the driver facing serious issues adapting to the conditions in the team. Team Principal Franz Tost put in a lot of work to get Tsunoda up to speed, work on his race pace, and simply deal with the frustration that can come with losing.

Others were quick to highlight Tsunoda’s improvement over the past two seasons, with one post reading, “Yuki’s pace and growth have been consistent. Lawson hasn’t even outshone him. What else does Yuki need to do?” The debate also highlights a bigger issue within Red Bull’s driver management. Over the years, the team has faced criticism for its revolving door of drivers and its tendency to favor quick results over long-term development. The handling of talents like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon—both thrust into the Red Bull spotlight only to struggle—has left fans questioning the team’s approach.

But not all fans are on Tsunoda’s side. Some argue that Red Bull’s concerns are valid, with one comment stating, “Yuki’s fast, no doubt. But his emotional outbursts and inconsistency under pressure make him a risky pick next to Verstappen.” Tsunoda’s expressive instances are one of the things Tost emphasized on being a big drawback about the driver. Whenever things don’t go his way, Tsunoda swears and behaves poorly. Compared to him, Lawson’s calm demeanor on the track is something that can fit Verstappen well. He needs a teammate who can stay calm under pressure while driving a car that doesn’t exactly win races every single weekend.

For Tsunoda, the writing might be on the wall. Without a promotion to the main team, his future within Red Bull looks uncertain, especially with Honda leaving. Some fans have even suggested that Tsunoda would be better off leaving the Red Bull system entirely. As one fan put it, “If they don’t see his value, I hope Yuki finds a team that does. He deserves better.” Red Bull’s decision, expected after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, could have lasting repercussions not just for the team but for its reputation among fans. If Tsunoda is overlooked, it will fuel the narrative that Red Bull prioritizes potential over proven talent. And for Yuki, it might mean seeking opportunities elsewhere.