Yuki Tsunoda is excited to be back racing this weekend in Zandvoort. Image: XPB Images
The Japanese driver will make his first start of 2026 at Zandvoort after Isack Hadjar’s wrist injury triggered a reshuffle across Red Bull’s two teams.
Liam Lawson has been called up from Racing Bulls to replace Hadjar alongside Max Verstappen, opening the door for Tsunoda to return to the team he raced for before his promotion to Red Bull early last year.
Speaking on media day at Zandvoort, Tsunoda made no secret of his excitement after spending the opening half of the season watching from the sidelines in a reserve role.
“Since the season started, I’ve been dying to be in the car and compete with the drivers,” Tsunoda said.
“I think this moment I will just enjoy, and obviously give my 100% performance. Hopefully that will bring some good results.”
Tsunoda lost his full-time place on the grid at the end of 2025 after Hadjar replaced him at Red Bull, leaving him to serve as reserve driver across both Red Bull teams this season.
The 26-year-old has remained involved through simulator work and testing in previous cars, but his chance to race again arrived with little warning while he was on holiday in Greece.
“It’s great to be back, obviously. When I heard this news, I was in Greece having a nice mix of training and… at that moment, I was probably lying on the beach having a nice time,” he said.
“On Tuesday I think I got the call that potentially I might be in the seat this weekend. When I heard, I was like half excited, half still doubtful because anything can happen, but I was super excited too.
“It was all confirmed that I’m racing this weekend. I’m super excited and physically I’m feeling ready. I’ve done a couple of TPCs. It will be my first time in this car but still, I’m very excited.”
His return comes with the added challenge of having never raced the current generation of F1 machinery, while the sprint format will leave him with only one practice session before competitive running begins.
Tsunoda has completed four Testing of Previous Cars outings during his time away from racing, including the equivalent of five race distances, and believes that work has kept him prepared physically.
However, adapting to the current Racing Bulls package remains the biggest unknown after he only sampled the team’s simulator for the first time this week.
“All I just need to do is to get used to this car, which I guess I feel quite a lot different. And the procedures, I guess, how to start and everything,” he said.
“I think having one free practice is going to be tricky, but that’s why I’m not setting any expectations. For now, I just enjoy and have fun, which I wanted to have for a long time.”
Tsunoda’s return is currently only confirmed for Zandvoort, with Red Bull yet to establish when Hadjar will be ready to race again.
That leaves open the possibility of further appearances should the Frenchman require more time to recover, although Tsunoda said his immediate priority was making the most of the opportunity in front of him.
“As far as I understand, I will be in the seat for now – this weekend – and also I think it depends on Isack’s recovery. I hope that recovery goes pretty fast,” he said.
“I’m not sure about the next grand prix but my objective is to have fun. I think I’ve been waiting for a long time. I was watching the screen for the last few months.”
The weekend could also provide Tsunoda with an important opportunity to remind teams of his capabilities as he looks towards securing a return to a full-time seat in 2027.
Tsunoda said being able to demonstrate his ability on track was far more valuable than simply talking about what he could offer.
“It’s definitely a good opportunity,” he said.
“There’s no better time than this. It’s always better to drive and show what I can do, rather than just talk. I know what I can do but it’s always hard to show that or prove that without driving.
“Thanks to Red Bull and Racing Bulls for allowing me to have that opportunity. I’ll use the race to show something good about myself. Also, the most important thing is to enjoy it.
“Obviously I would love to have a seat next year, but those things are not in my control and I don’t have to think about them for now.
“Like I said, I’ve been dying to have this moment and hit the track in the current car so I’m looking forward to it.”
The Dutch Grand Prix begins with FP1 at 12.30pm local time on Friday (8.30pm AEST).
2026 F1 Dutch Grand Prix – Schedule, how to watch, TV times & more