Red Bull has blocked reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda from competing in the GT World Challenge Australia Grand Final. The decision prevents Tsunoda from participating in the event despite his current F1 reserve commitments for the 2026 season.
SRO Motorsports Australia had arranged for Tsunoda to race at the Adelaide Grand Final. He was slated to join Tigani Motorsport, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3.
The GT World Challenge Australia Grand Final is scheduled for November 26-29, 2026. The event will take place at the Adelaide Street Circuit.
This contrasts with Max Verstappen’s active involvement in GT racing. Verstappen’s team, Verstappen.com Racing, competes in the 2026 GT World Challenge Europe championship.
Verstappen also participated in the Nürburgring 24 Hours earlier this year in May. He has openly discussed his interest in other motorsport categories outside Formula 1.
Red Bull’s decision to prevent Tsunoda’s participation underscores the team’s control over its contracted drivers. This applies even to those in reserve roles.
Tsunoda serves as the official test and reserve driver for both Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls this year. He lost his full-time F1 race seat at the end of the 2025 season.
His demotion saw Isack Hadjar promoted to Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen. Arvid Lindblad secured a seat at Racing Bulls.
Reserve drivers are integral to F1 teams, undertaking extensive simulator work and car development. They must be prepared to step in if a main driver is unavailable.
Tsunoda’s contractual situation with Honda for 2026 was also under negotiation earlier this year. Honda now partners with Aston Martin, while Red Bull uses Ford power units.
The block on Tsunoda’s GT entry highlights Red Bull’s priority for its F1 programme. This includes maintaining full availability of its reserve personnel.
