By James Broughton, December 19, 2024
In today’s digitally enabled world, data analysis drives decision-making. If you’re reading this on a mobile or desktop device, chances are Bill Gates is using your data to convince you he isn’t an evil philanthropist, or Jeff Bezos is trying to sell you an Amazon subscription package, backed by data showing people still want to watch The Rings of Power. Data rarely lies, but it can be misinterpreted.
Such misinterpretation may explain why Yuki Tsunoda was overlooked for the vacant Red Bull seat. Like a prisoner of fate, Tsunoda worked his way through Red Bull’s rigorous driver program—a boot camp designed to scout and groom the best junior talent. Tsunoda also enjoyed the backing of Red Bull’s engine supplier, Honda, which played a crucial role in convincing the team’s hierarchy to promote him. This led to his “parachuting” into Red Bull’s sister team, now rebranded as VCARB.
Early in his career, Tsunoda was fast but erratic and carried a fiery temper. However, over the years, he improved immensely. Every teammate partnered with him has been decisively beaten. Tsunoda evolved from a volatile prospect into a team leader, delivering consistent speed and points throughout 2024. Notably, he outqualified every teammate subjected to the Red Bull “meat grinder.”
The Stats Don’t Lie
By most metrics, Yuki Tsunoda appeared to have done more than enough to earn a promotion to Red Bull’s senior team. But circumstances shifted against him. With Honda becoming an official works partner with Aston Martin, Tsunoda lost an influential backer.
Officially, Red Bull cited Tsunoda’s temper during radio communications as a factor in their decision. However, this argument feels weak—after all, the stats show his on-track performance has been exemplary. They also suggested that Tsunoda might struggle to handle the pressure of being Verstappen’s teammate—a challenge few drivers could meet.
Red Bull’s decision may have been influenced by marketing preferences. Perhaps they were reluctant to promote a Japanese driver, opting instead to appeal more exclusively to a white Anglo-Saxon demographic.
Regardless of the reasons, Yuki Tsunoda’s exclusion from the Red Bull seat raises questions about whether data—or its misinterpretation—truly drove this decision.
