Yuki Tsunoda's Formula 1 future could be in jeopardy after the 2025 season.
One hurdle is that this year marks his fifth with Red Bull's junior team, yet the path to Red Bull Racing has shut for now with Liam Lawson's elevation.
Team adviser Dr Helmut Marko insists it was the 24-year-old Japanese driver's temperament, not his speed, that lost him the chance. "Tsunoda's outbursts have improved," he told Auto Motor und Sport, "but they haven't completely disappeared.
"Last year in Mexico, as the decision-making process drew closer, he had two completely unnecessary accidents. But he knew that the question was already at stake as to who would get the seat at Red Bull," Marko continued.
"That means he's still prone to making mistakes under pressure. In terms of speed, he's undoubtedly suitable. But racing against Max (Verstappen) always means pressure.
"Lawson knows that he got the seat because he's incredibly mentally stable and down-to-earth. He's expected to score points regularly, not to look at Max. That is his role for now.
"I think he's smart enough to understand that."
Marko added that Tsunoda wouldn't even be a stand-in at Red Bull Racing if Verstappen or Lawson were sidelined.
"Then we have Ayumu Iwasa as our reserve driver," he said.
"Arvid Lindblad has the points for the super licence, but he doesn't turn 18 until September. That's why we're currently applying to the FIA for an exemption, which (Kimi) Antonelli got.
"We see no reason why the same shouldn't be true for Lindblad."
Another blow for Tsunoda is that his long-term backer, Honda, will part ways with Red Bull at season's end, and no race seats are available at Aston Martin for 2026.
Honda Racing Corporation boss Koji Watanabe suggested recently that Tsunoda's support could vanish after this year.
This may explain Tsunoda's winter decision to part with his previous management, possibly eyeing 2026 talks with Cadillac.
Speaking in Melbourne, he said: "I understand that my future depends on my results. But it has always been like this."
