Franz Tost doubts Yuki Tsunoda’s work ethic as Hadjar talk builds

Yuki Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1 is again being questioned, with ex-Racing Bulls boss Franz Tost suggesting the Japanese driver is failing to apply himself fully.

“Yuki has a lot of natural speed, but maybe that’s the problem,” Tost told Servus TV. “He’s always delivered impressive performances in the lower classes like Formula 2 and Formula 3, but everything just fell into his lap. Yuki is talented, but he’s not eager and diligent enough to make the most of it.”

Tost argued the 25-year-old must quickly prove greater commitment if he hopes to remain at Red Bull’s top team, or even secure a place back at its junior outfit.

“He needs to study the data day and night to close the gap to Verstappen,” Tost continued. “Whether he still has a future with the team, let alone in Formula 1 at all, is up to him. He’ll absolutely have to improve his performance.”

Ralf Schumacher, analysing for Sky Deutschland, was more blunt: “I can’t imagine there’s room for Yuki Tsunoda.” Focus has instead turned to Isack Hadjar, who followed up his maiden podium at Zandvoort with another solid display at Monza.

Nico Rosberg applauded the Frenchman on Sky: “Another fantastic race.” But the 2016 title winner cautioned that stepping into Verstappen’s garage could be a career trap.

“What if Laurent Mekies calls him on Monday and says, ‘Yuki’s out, you can drive the next race?’ Then he’ll have to say no, right? “I would refuse 100 percent. In fact, I would say, ‘No, I won’t do it, don’t try to force me,’” added the German.

He highlighted the long list of Verstappen teammates who have struggled: Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Liam Lawson, and now Tsunoda.

“Have you seen how risky that is?” Rosberg said. “How many careers has Red Bull destroyed? Everyone knows what’s going on with Tsunoda, his career is hanging by a thread, and yet at Racing Bulls, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.”