Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda conducted a helmet swap in Abu Dhabi at the weekend, with the messages the two left for each other having been shared.<\/p>\n
Tsunoda will drop into a test and reserve role with Red Bull next year, as Isack Hadjar steps up from Racing Bulls to partner the four-time World Champion in 2026.<\/p>\n
Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda helmet swap messages revealed<\/p>\n
Helmet swaps among drivers have long taken place in the Formula 1 paddock as a sign of mutual respect, with Alpine\u2019s Pierre Gasly in particular having been known for looking to swap helmets with his on-track rivals in recent years.<\/p>\n
As Verstappen and Tsunoda took in their final race as teammates in 2025, both shared photos of the moment it took place, alongside what was written on their respective visors.<\/p>\n
From Verstappen to Tsunoda, a simple \u2018Arigato Yuki-san\u2019 [\u2018Thank you, Yuki\u2019], while Tsunoda wrote on his visor: \u201cEnjoyed a lot being teammate with you. Nice memories. Thanks for the lessons.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tsunoda acknowledged his disappointment at missing out on a seat on the F1 2026 grid, and he will continue his work with Red Bull behind the scenes next season.<\/p>\n
Having faced the challenge of going up against Verstappen in equal machinery, he admitted he left behind a strong team at Racing Bulls for the move, but knew the scale of the challenge he would be facing against the four-time World Champion.<\/p>\n
Watch our drifting finale with V14<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, I can\u2019t deny that he\u2019s the best driver on the grid,\u201d Tsunoda told PlanetF1.com and others in Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut at the same time, I\u2019m happy that I was able to catch up quite quickly from this level, especially in this very, very tight field, You know, this year is one of the tightest fields in history.\u201d<\/p>\n
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