Yuki Tsunoda's 2025 Formula 1 season was characterized by a sustained effort to establish himself as the clear team leader at RB, facing the direct challenge of a promoted and highly-regarded Liam Lawson in a midfield that demanded consistent performance for points.
Going in
Heading into his fifth season in Formula 1, Yuki Tsunoda was the senior driver at the Visa Cash App RB team. The 2025 season marked a significant internal shift with the promotion of Liam Lawson, a driver with a strong junior career and impressive substitute appearances, to a full-time seat alongside Tsunoda. This setup placed Tsunoda under renewed scrutiny; his experience was now expected to translate into consistent leadership and performance, especially given the ground-effect era regulations that had seen the field close up considerably in 2024. RB, having shown flashes of potential but often struggling for consistent points in the preceding seasons, aimed to leverage Tsunoda's experience and Lawson's raw speed to climb the constructors' standings. The simplified aero and 18-inch wheels continued to emphasize driver skill and setup optimization, areas where Tsunoda had shown improvement.
How it played out
The season saw Tsunoda deliver a more mature and measured approach to his racing. While his trademark aggression remained, it was often channeled more effectively, leading to fewer unforced errors compared to his earlier career. The intra-team battle with Lawson was a consistent narrative. Tsunoda generally held the upper hand in qualifying during the first half of the season, often placing the RB car higher on the grid than its outright pace suggested. His race craft, particularly in the midfield battles, was a highlight, demonstrating a growing ability to manage tires and defend positions. While a podium finish remained elusive for the team, Tsunoda consistently brought the car home in or around the points-paying positions. There were periods where Lawson's pace matched or even surpassed Tsunoda's, particularly in the latter third of the season, indicating the intense pressure and competition within the team. This dynamic presented a different challenge than previous years, requiring Tsunoda to maintain focus and adapt, a trait that Fernando Alonso demonstrated in his 2017 season with McLaren-Honda, extracting maximum performance from a difficult package.
Defining moments
Several races underscored Tsunoda's progress. A particularly strong performance at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix saw him qualify well inside the top ten and convert that into a solid points finish, navigating a chaotic race with composure. Another notable moment was his strategic drive at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he managed an unconventional tire strategy to secure valuable points, showcasing improved race management. Conversely, a challenging weekend at the British Grand Prix, where a minor setup issue compounded by a costly pit stop, highlighted areas where the team, and by extension Tsunoda, still needed refinement to consistently compete with the upper midfield. The pressure of a new, quick teammate also seemed to push Tsunoda to find an extra gear, reminding some observers of the intensity Fernando Alonso brought upon his return in the 2021 season at Alpine.
What it meant
Yuki Tsunoda's 2025 season was a crucial one for his career trajectory. He largely succeeded in fending off the immediate challenge from Liam Lawson, demonstrating that he had evolved beyond being merely a rapid but erratic talent. His consistent points finishes, while not spectacular, were vital for RB in a tightly contested constructors' championship, where every point mattered. The season cemented his reputation as a reliable midfield performer capable of maximizing the car's potential on a regular basis. While a move to the senior Red Bull team remained a long shot given their established lineup, Tsunoda's performance ensured his continued presence in Formula 1 and positioned him as a valuable asset for a team aiming to consolidate its position in the competitive midfield. His ability to perform under pressure, much like Fernando Alonso's resilience in the 2016 season with an uncompetitive car, proved his mettle.
