🚨| Yuki Tsunoda promised F1 return during 2026 season:
— Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane disclosed that Yuki Tsunoda is set to make a return to Formula 1 this year, participating in free practice sessions. Tsunoda, who was dropped by the Red Bull team at the end of the 2025 season, struggled to secure points during a challenging campaign. Despite this, he remains part of the Red Bull setup as a test and reserve driver for the upcoming season.
— Permane emphasized Tsunoda's continued involvement with the team, highlighting his valuable experience with the current F1 cars, which have undergone significant regulatory changes. Speaking to media, Permane remarked:
"It's great to have Yuki still in the family. He's been part of this team for a long time. It's good that he's still going to be in the paddock."
— Tsunoda has already begun engaging in commercial activities with the team in the USA, although a recent demo run ended dramatically when the car caught fire. Permane further elaborated on Tsunoda's role, stating:
"His input will be very, very valuable, he will help us out a lot with simulator running."
— In addition to his test and simulator duties, Tsunoda is expected to participate in certain free practice sessions. Permane confirmed:
"He will do some Fridays - I'm not sure in both cars or just ours - but he will feature in FP1 running."
— Permane expressed enthusiasm about Tsunoda's contributions, particularly in simulator support, which will be crucial over race weekends:
"That's really fantastic for us to have someone of his calibre helping us over a race weekend, driving our simulator."
#yukitsunoda 🇯🇵 #f12026
VIA: [RacingNews365]