Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, has countered claims that Yuki Tsunoda’s performances in Formula 1 have improved, implying Red Bull has been “pampering” him.
Despite trailing Max Verstappen 21-0 in their qualifying duels, Tsunoda delivered one of his strongest showings at the Mexico Grand Prix, with a deficit of ‘only’ 0.211s to Red Bull’s leading vehicle as he exited in Q2.
During the race, a delayed pitstop, designed to impede Verstappen’s competitors, potentially cost Tsunoda a ninth-place finish – or possibly a top six/seven, according to the Japanese driver – with Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies admitting to ‘squandering some points [Tsunoda] could have scored fairly’.
“Yuki experienced his finest weekend in quite some time,” the Frenchman insisted. “We’ve mentioned it before, but it’s true.”
Villeneuve, however, vehemently disagreed with Mekies’ assessment on Sky Sports’ F1 Show podcast.
“I don’t comprehend how a team can remark, ‘Oh, he’s had a favorable weekend’. Possibly superior to other weekends he’s had, but is it genuinely a favorable weekend?” he rhetorically questioned.
“He remains significantly behind his team-mate. He isn’t contributing anything in terms of pace, team points, or assisting Max in the championship.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images
“And he possesses considerable experience. We’ve witnessed his peak performance; he’s already on the decline, so it appears they are excessively protecting him for some reason.
“But no, you cannot assert that it was a favorable weekend. Perhaps it was his least unfavorable, but it wasn’t a favorable weekend.”
As Red Bull persists in evaluating options for selecting Verstappen’s teammate for F1’s upcoming technological era in 2026, Tsunoda’s five seasons of experience hold limited significance for Villeneuve.
“We consistently discuss, in situations like this, ‘the necessity of experience’ – and yes, I concur, but beneficial experience is required,” the Canadian contended.
“It is inconsequential whether a driver has 20 years of racing experience. If he wasn’t proficient or sufficiently skilled, he still won’t be adequate, and he still won’t assist you in comprehending the new regulations. He still won’t aid in the development and testing of that vehicle, so why would you opt for a known entity that you acknowledge isn’t good enough?
“In that instance, you might as well pursue the young rookie or unconventional choice, select someone and gamble that they will introduce fresh energy and a novel thought process to the team. You are already aware that what you currently possess won’t suffice.”
Current Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar is considered the frontrunner to secure the second Red Bull seat for 2026, following an impressive rookie F1 season that featured a podium finish at Zandvoort. He currently occupies 10th position in the standings, while Tsunoda is situated in 17th, with 39 points compared to 28.
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– The Autosport.com Team
