In a thrilling yet controversial finale, Sergio Perez once again proved why he’s considered a legend in Formula 1—but this time, it was Yuki Tsunoda’s turn to show how not to execute a critical team strategy. And this is the part most people miss: while Perez’s heroics in 2021 secured Max Verstappen’s championship, Tsunoda’s 2025 performance left fans and pundits scratching their heads. But here’s where it gets controversial: was Tsunoda simply out of his depth, or did Red Bull set him up for failure? Let’s dive in.
As the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix unfolded, all eyes were on the tyre strategies that could decide the championship. Red Bull seemed to hand Tsunoda a golden opportunity to replicate Perez’s game-changing role from 2021. On paper, it looked perfect: Tsunoda, starting 10th on hard tyres, could theoretically hold up a McLaren or two, giving Verstappen a crucial edge. But here’s the kicker—it didn’t go as planned. Instead of earning ‘legend’ status like Perez, Tsunoda earned a penalty for weaving, leaving many wondering if he was ever truly up to the task.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Perez himself couldn’t resist a subtle jab, reacting to a meme implying Red Bull had treated him unfairly with a simple ‘perhaps’ and a laughing emoji. Given how both Liam Lawson and Tsunoda struggled in the ex-Perez car this season, it’s hard to blame him. Tsunoda didn’t just fail to match Perez’s 2024 results—he botched the chance to emulate one of Perez’s most iconic moments.
Let’s rewind to 2021, where Perez’s defensive masterclass against Lewis Hamilton became the turning point in Verstappen’s championship win. Starting on soft tyres, Perez extended his stint to delay Hamilton, cutting his lead over Verstappen from nine seconds to just 1.2s. This strategic brilliance denied Hamilton a ‘free’ pitstop under the virtual safety car, fundamentally altering the race’s outcome. As Verstappen himself said, ‘Without Checo, I wouldn’t be sitting here.’
Fast forward to 2025, and Tsunoda’s situation was eerily similar. With Oscar Piastri also running long on hards, Tsunoda had a clear shot to disrupt Lando Norris’s charge. Red Bull urged him to ‘do all you can,’ but Norris swiftly overtook, forcing Tsunoda into a desperate weave that earned him a penalty. Tsunoda later called the penalty ‘very harsh,’ claiming he was merely trying to break the slipstream—a move that, under FIA guidelines, can be acceptable if executed correctly. But the stewards disagreed, ruling that his erratic changes of direction forced Norris off track.
And this is the part most people miss: even if Tsunoda had held Norris off for another lap, it’s unlikely the outcome would’ve changed. Norris’s pace and determination made him a force to be reckoned with. Yet, Perez’s reaction speaks volumes—he clearly expected more from Tsunoda, especially given the stakes.
So, here’s the million-dollar question: Did Tsunoda simply lack the skill to pull off a Perez-esque move, or was he set up to fail in a car that neither he nor Lawson could tame? And more importantly, does this moment highlight a deeper issue within Red Bull’s driver development strategy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark fireworks!
