Tsunoda to get back behind wheel of F1 car with Red Bull in San Francisco demo

Red Bull test and reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda will return to the cockpit of a Formula 1 car later this month when he takes part in a special demonstration event in America.

Tsunoda, who lost his full-time F1 seat at the end of last season, is set to appear at a show run on the streets of San Francisco – backed by Red Bull partner Ford – on February 21.

Also on the list of attendees are former F1 driver Scott Speed, who will drive a Racing Bulls machine around Marina Boulevard, as well as Ford off-road star Mitch Guthrie and freestyle motorcross rider Aaron Colton.

“I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car, and to do that in [the] RB7 in San Francisco will be amazing,” said Tsunoda, referring to Red Bull’s double title-winning 2011 design.

“I’m really looking forward to getting out there, doing some donuts and making some real F1 noise in front of the crowds.”

Tsunoda will be on standby for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls through the upcoming F1 campaign, should either team require a substitute driver – as well as providing support off the track.

The 25-year-old Japanese racer started his career with AlphaTauri (now known as Racing Bulls) back in 2021, spending just over four seasons there before earning a promotion to Red Bull.

However, he followed a long list of drivers who struggled to make an impression alongside Max Verstappen and was dropped from the team’s racing line-up for 2026.