Formula 1 pilot: “He deserves to be in F1. I was in such a situation too”

Alex Albon says he sympathizes with Yuki Tsunoda following Red Bull’s decision to appoint the Japanese driver to a reserve driver role for the 2026 season.

The Milton Keynes team decided to replace Tsunoda, who, along with Max Verstappen, had a difficult season with the Japanese constantly struggling with pace. Next year, the team will recruit Isak Hajar as its second driver, while Tsunoda will serve as Red Bull’s third driver and Racing Bulls’ junior team.

Albon is familiar with this situation; He himself lost his seat at Red Bull at the end of 2020 and then spent the 2021 season as a reserve driver. This is what helped him stay on the grid with Williams in 2022.

The Thai driver still hopes that Tsunoda can return to full-time performances in Formula 1.

“I feel sorry for Yuki. I think he is an extremely talented pilot.”

Personally, I think he deserves a place in Formula 1. He’s now a reserve pilot and hopefully he can find a way to make his mark; “The team is in a very similar situation to where I am in 2021.”

Red Bull is known for its tough approach to the driver rosters in its two teams. Albon stressed that Tsunodi must be careful to take advantage of this opportunity if one of the main drivers has a problem.

“The opportunity is still there. We need to see how Arvid Lindblad performs and how Liam Lawson performs.”

This is why Yuki got to where he is now.

“I might be a little biased towards the Asian drivers in the paddock, but he’s talented and I really hope to see him back on the grid.”