"This has been the hardest year of my life." Yuki Tsunoda acknowledges feeling anxious about his future in Formula 1 as Red Bull continues to postpone their decision regarding drivers for 2026, yet he claims he has no regrets about taking the seat that ultimately concluded Sergio Perez’s tenure with the team. Upon arriving in Las Vegas, the Japanese driver expressed his awareness of the intense pressure he faces. "If I say I’m not nervous, that would be untrue," he stated. Red Bull has not yet clarified whether he will remain with the organization next year. In a separate conversation with Belgian broadcaster RTBF, Tsunoda remarked that the uncertainty is beyond his control. "As far as I know, a decision hasn’t been reached yet. I must give it my all—that’s the only aspect I can influence. I’m not considering 2026 right now; I'm leaving that to my agent and the team. I’m here to race. My performance will assist Red Bull in making a decision. I believe I’m progressing positively if you assess the last few races." Tsunoda moved up to Red Bull after Daniel Ricciardo was sidelined and Perez was let go for not keeping up with Max Verstappen, making 2025 the most challenging season of the 24-year-old’s career. "This has been the hardest year of my life," he confessed. "Racing alongside one of the top drivers on the grid and being part of a leading team offers a completely different experience. Previously, I was a team leader, engaged in the car's development. Now I find myself in a new role—I have much to learn, and my teammate is vying for the title, so I need to support the team." Despite the pressure and the potential career risks of being unfavorably compared to Verstappen, Tsunoda insists that he would make the same decision again. "I have no regrets about joining Red Bull," he declared. "It’s helping me become a better driver and a better individual."

"This has been the hardest year of my life." Yuki Tsunoda acknowledges feeling anxious about his future in Formula 1 as Red Bull continues to postpone their decision regarding drivers for 2026, yet he claims he has no regrets about taking the seat that ultimately concluded Sergio Perez’s tenure with the team. Upon arriving in Las Vegas, the Japanese driver expressed his awareness of the intense pressure he faces. "If I say I’m not nervous, that would be untrue," he stated. Red Bull has not yet clarified whether he will remain with the organization next year. In a separate conversation with Belgian broadcaster RTBF, Tsunoda remarked that the uncertainty is beyond his control. "As far as I know, a decision hasn’t been reached yet. I must give it my all—that’s the only aspect I can influence. I’m not considering 2026 right now; I'm leaving that to my agent and the team. I’m here to race. My performance will assist Red Bull in making a decision. I believe I’m progressing positively if you assess the last few races." Tsunoda moved up to Red Bull after Daniel Ricciardo was sidelined and Perez was let go for not keeping up with Max Verstappen, making 2025 the most challenging season of the 24-year-old’s career. "This has been the hardest year of my life," he confessed. "Racing alongside one of the top drivers on the grid and being part of a leading team offers a completely different experience. Previously, I was a team leader, engaged in the car's development. Now I find myself in a new role—I have much to learn, and my teammate is vying for the title, so I need to support the team." Despite the pressure and the potential career risks of being unfavorably compared to Verstappen, Tsunoda insists that he would make the same decision again. "I have no regrets about joining Red Bull," he declared. "It’s helping me become a better driver and a better individual."

      As part of Spa’s continuing renovation initiative, Spa-Francorchamps is embarking on a fresh chapter in its extensive history with the demolition of the iconic old control tower, paving the way for a new modern structure set to be inaugurated in June 2026.

      The new building, officially designated as the Uhoda Tower after the Belgian mobility and real estate group that is collaborating with the circuit, will be taller and larger than the existing tower that has been alongside the track since 1985.

      Circuit representatives have indicated that the upper floors will be utilized throughout the year for business tourism and events, while the lower levels will accommodate a professional-grade simulation center.

      This project is also part of Spa’s ongoing renovation efforts, which have seen the reconstruction of aging grandstands and infrastructure around Eau Rouge and the old pit lane in recent years.

      Belgian media report a mix of nostalgia and sadness among fans and paddock regulars as the old tower, a longstanding emblem of the Ardennes circuit, is dismantled. While the building has not been active for race control for several years, it has remained a notable landmark at one of motorsport’s most renowned venues.

      The new tower is set to be completed in time for the Spa 24 Hours and the Belgian Grand Prix in July next year.

"This has been the hardest year of my life." Yuki Tsunoda acknowledges feeling anxious about his future in Formula 1 as Red Bull continues to postpone their decision regarding drivers for 2026, yet he claims he has no regrets about taking the seat that ultimately concluded Sergio Perez’s tenure with the team. Upon arriving in Las Vegas, the Japanese driver expressed his awareness of the intense pressure he faces. "If I say I’m not nervous, that would be untrue," he stated. Red Bull has not yet clarified whether he will remain with the organization next year. In a separate conversation with Belgian broadcaster RTBF, Tsunoda remarked that the uncertainty is beyond his control. "As far as I know, a decision hasn’t been reached yet. I must give it my all—that’s the only aspect I can influence. I’m not considering 2026 right now; I'm leaving that to my agent and the team. I’m here to race. My performance will assist Red Bull in making a decision. I believe I’m progressing positively if you assess the last few races." Tsunoda moved up to Red Bull after Daniel Ricciardo was sidelined and Perez was let go for not keeping up with Max Verstappen, making 2025 the most challenging season of the 24-year-old’s career. "This has been the hardest year of my life," he confessed. "Racing alongside one of the top drivers on the grid and being part of a leading team offers a completely different experience. Previously, I was a team leader, engaged in the car's development. Now I find myself in a new role—I have much to learn, and my teammate is vying for the title, so I need to support the team." Despite the pressure and the potential career risks of being unfavorably compared to Verstappen, Tsunoda insists that he would make the same decision again. "I have no regrets about joining Red Bull," he declared. "It’s helping me become a better driver and a better individual."

Other articles

40 minutes until the start: Oscar Piastri's commentary 40 minutes until the start: Oscar Piastri's commentary Oscar Piastri starts fifth in Las Vegas and hopes to fight back... Verstappen's engineers are leaving Red Bull Racing. Verstappen's engineers are leaving Red Bull Racing. The engineering team working with Max Verstappen will undergo significant changes in 2026: three of the four lead specialists have decided to leave Red Bull Racing... 60 minutes until the start: George Russell's commentary. 60 minutes until the start: George Russell's commentary. George Russell will start fourth in Las Vegas and would like to fight for the win… 90 minutes until the start: Carlos Sainz's commentary 90 minutes until the start: Carlos Sainz's commentary Carlos Sainz starts third in Las Vegas and hopes to make the podium... Verstappen: Everyone behaved sensibly or was just afraid Verstappen: Everyone behaved sensibly or was just afraid Max Verstappen qualified second in Las Vegas. At the press conference, the Red Bull Racing driver shared his impressions of the session and talked about what he expects for Sunday's race. 'Artificial' tire regulation will 'ruin' the Qatar GP, according to the boss. 'Artificial' tire regulation will 'ruin' the Qatar GP, according to the boss. Formula 1 | Ayao Komatsu has strongly condemned Pirelli's choice to enforce mandatory tyre-stint limits at the upcoming Qatar GP - a decision that ensures (…)

"This has been the hardest year of my life." Yuki Tsunoda acknowledges feeling anxious about his future in Formula 1 as Red Bull continues to postpone their decision regarding drivers for 2026, yet he claims he has no regrets about taking the seat that ultimately concluded Sergio Perez’s tenure with the team. Upon arriving in Las Vegas, the Japanese driver expressed his awareness of the intense pressure he faces. "If I say I’m not nervous, that would be untrue," he stated. Red Bull has not yet clarified whether he will remain with the organization next year. In a separate conversation with Belgian broadcaster RTBF, Tsunoda remarked that the uncertainty is beyond his control. "As far as I know, a decision hasn’t been reached yet. I must give it my all—that’s the only aspect I can influence. I’m not considering 2026 right now; I'm leaving that to my agent and the team. I’m here to race. My performance will assist Red Bull in making a decision. I believe I’m progressing positively if you assess the last few races." Tsunoda moved up to Red Bull after Daniel Ricciardo was sidelined and Perez was let go for not keeping up with Max Verstappen, making 2025 the most challenging season of the 24-year-old’s career. "This has been the hardest year of my life," he confessed. "Racing alongside one of the top drivers on the grid and being part of a leading team offers a completely different experience. Previously, I was a team leader, engaged in the car's development. Now I find myself in a new role—I have much to learn, and my teammate is vying for the title, so I need to support the team." Despite the pressure and the potential career risks of being unfavorably compared to Verstappen, Tsunoda insists that he would make the same decision again. "I have no regrets about joining Red Bull," he declared. "It’s helping me become a better driver and a better individual."

Formula 1 | Spa-Francorchamps has initiated a new phase in its extensive history, as the demolition of the circuit's iconic old control tower paves the way for a contemporary (…)