Yuki Tsunoda addresses Max Verstappen's assertion regarding F1 2026.

Yuki Tsunoda dismissed Max Verstappen’s remarks suggesting that recent performances indicate a diminished role of driver skill with the introduction of the new 2026 Formula 1 cars.

Last season, both drivers were teammates at Red Bull, but while Verstappen secured second place in the championship, Tsunoda ended up in 17th, leading to his replacement by Isack Hadjar for 2026.

The 26-year-old has stepped into the role of reserve driver but has competed in the last two races - Zandvoort and Monza - for the sister team Racing Bulls, and will do so again this weekend in Madrid.

This situation arose due to a wrist injury Hadjar suffered during the summer break, prompting Red Bull to temporarily substitute him with Liam Lawson, who also faced challenges alongside Verstappen in 2025.

Nevertheless, Tsunoda and Lawson have both shown commendable performance, with the Kiwi finishing seventh in Holland, while the Racing Bulls driver scored a point at Monza after narrowly missing out at Zandvoort.

The Japanese racer expressed satisfaction with his achievements, especially considering the difficulties of 2025, and he is not allowing the four-time world champion’s remarks to impact him.

Yuki Tsunoda, Racing Bulls

He remarked in Madrid: “It’s his opinions, so... I’m not sure. I honestly just read it, that’s all.

“The car is certainly different. Naturally, energy management and similar factors vary. It’s part of the dynamics where you can’t always push fully in certain corners. I experienced that in Monza.

“But, yeah, that’s all. I’m not really deriving anything from his comments in relation to my performances; what I demonstrated in these two races is quite personal, in my view. So, I believe I’ve done well, and that’s all there is to it.”

Verstappen has been a prominent critic of the new 2026 regulations, previously labeling it as “Formula E on steroids” due to its focus on energy management.

This year, there have been instances where the more electrical-focused rules have overshadowed driver skill, such as Lando Norris being ‘compelled’ to overtake Lewis Hamilton at Suzuka. Or in Spa, where McLaren pointed to the “self-learning elements” of the power unit affecting the race dynamics.

These factors have led Verstappen to cite Lawson and Tsunoda’s recent performances as further proof of the transformations that F1 has undergone in 2026.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

The Dutch driver shared with the BBC: “Historically in this sport, typically, the driver who is most committed, who brakes latest and accelerates earlier in high-speed corners, is rewarded with time gained in the corner.

“But now you’re constantly considering, ‘In this corner I might need to hold back a bit. Accelerate later. Brake earlier. Or lift off. Then I can achieve more top speed.’ It’s so unnatural. It’s not how it should be.

"No disrespect intended, and I hope it’s not taken the wrong way, but look at Yuki. He jumps in the car.

"Having never driven it before, he’s immediately competitive. Liam moves from the Racing Bulls to Red Bull – instantly competitive. It’s because these cars dull driver inputs.

“Of course, you still need to put in a fast lap and you have to commit; the quickest drivers will always rise to the top, but it’s really, really restricted, like a choke hold or something. You feel constrained.”