Yuki Tsunoda has split from his management team of Mario Miyakawa and Luis Alvarez after failing to secure a Red Bull seat for the 2025 Formula 1 season
Yuki Tsunoda has split from his management team on the eve of the new Formula 1 season.
The Japanese racer has appointed Diego Menchaca as his new manager. The switch comes after he parted ways with his former management team of Mario Miyakawa and Luis Alvarez.
Last year proved challenging for Tsunoda, who outperformed seasoned team-mate Daniel Ricciardo for much of the season and out-qualified newcomer Liam Lawson 6-0. Despite those successes, he found himself passed over by Red Bull in favour of Lawson to partner Max Verstappen after Sergio Perez’s exit.
Despite showcasing his skills at the Yas Marina Circuit’s post-season test, Tsunoda was left feeling snubbed by Red Bull’s top brass, including team principal Christian Horner and driver academy chief Helmut Marko.
Now, as he enters what could be a pivotal fifth season with the junior outfit Racing Bulls, Tsunoda has shaken things up by bringing in Menchaca. The move is a hint that the 24-year-old may be preparing for life after Red Bull amid heavy speculation that this will be his final year under their umbrella.
In an interview with Autosport, Tsunoda expressed his enthusiasm about the new arrangement. He said: “I am not working [with] Mario anymore, and Luis as well. I’m really happy with Diego. He’s motivated, definitely. Once we decided to work together, he immediately went to Helmut’s office to build a relationship.
“That kind of effort, I really appreciate – and obviously, Helmut did too. They already have a good relationship, which is a good start. But in the end, the most important thing is to perform on track, which will make Diego’s life easier.”
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While Tsunoda’s hopes of joining Red Bull are dimming, it’s important to note he now faces stiff competition from within the team. Previous drivers like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez have all unsuccessfully tried to match Verstappen, setting cautious expectations for newcomer Lawson, reports the Express.
Adding to this, team boss Horner questions the wisdom of keeping Tsunoda past 2025 if no clear path to Milton Keynes materializes soon. Besides, with rising stars Isack Hadjar and 17-year-old British talent Arvid Lindblad in their ranks, Red Bull are not short on promising options.
Amidst this, Menchaca will be kept on his toes throughout the year. With new regulations on the horizon and Cadillac’s entry creating more openings, opportunities for Tsunoda might bloom elsewhere, particularly at Aston Martin, where fresh ties with Honda begin next year, providing a connection given the Japanese powerhouse’s longstanding support of Tsunoda’s career.
