Source:REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
[Saba Sports News] The 2025 season concluded at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, marking the end of Yuki Tsunoda’s partnership with Max Verstappen as teammates. Over the weekend, they held a meaningful helmet exchange ceremony, showcasing the mutual respect developed after a year of racing together. Reports indicate that Verstappen wrote a simple yet warm “Thank you” in Japanese on Tsunoda’s helmet, while Tsunoda left a message of gratitude: “I really enjoyed my year as your teammate and created many wonderful memories. Thank you for your guidance.”Reflecting on the 2025 season, Tsunoda moved up from the Red Bull Junior team to the main Red Bull team, which was viewed as the biggest leap in his career but also marked the beginning of new challenges. Tsunoda openly acknowledged that leaving the familiar and stable environment of the junior team was a tough decision, but racing alongside a four-time F1 world champion presented a unique opportunity.Although Tsunoda may not have left a dazzling mark on the points table, he has earned respect within the Red Bull team. In my view, Verstappen’s compliments are not merely polite farewells but also a recognition of Tsunoda’s efforts and growth throughout the season.