Yuki Tsunoda has been dropped by Red Bull as a driver for the 2026 season.

The Japanese driver will not drive for them or their sister team, Racing Bulls, next year.

Tsunoda, 25, will remain in Red Bull as a test and reserve driver – informally known as the third driver in a team.

In this role, Tsunoda will participate in testing the cars and working on the simulator.

He will help the team collect important data regarding the cars – which in a season with new regulations will be a key role.

Tsunoda will also be available to stand in for a Red Bull driver, should they not be available to participate in any events during a race week.

“I’m not finished yet,” Tsunoda wrote on Instagram.

“Finding out I won’t have a race seat in 2026 was incredibly tough, but I’m determined to work harder than ever with Red Bull as test and reserve driver to develop with the team, and prove I deserve a place on the grid.

“Life’s full of setbacks, and this is mine. It’s not going to deter me from being the best F1 driver I can be.”

Becoming a reserve driver will allow Tsunoda to continue to be in the paddock during race weeks, while also searching for a seat in the 2027 season.

“His personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family,” said Red Bull team principal, Laurent Mekies.

Both Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon made a comeback to the grid, after spending time in the reserve roles at Red Bull.