Oscar Piastri's mum throws support behind axed Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda
The mother of Oscar Piastri has spoken out after the shock decision to axe one of fans’ favourite drivers on the F1 grid.
The mother of Australian F1 star Oscar Piastri has been among the first to publicly rally behind Yuki Tsunoda following Red Bull’s shock decision to axe the Japanese driver.
In an emotional message to fans on Wednesday evening, Tsunoda confirmed he would not be returning to the grid in 2026.
The announcement means Max Verstappen will have his fourth teammate in just two seasons.
“I’m not finished yet,” Tsunoda said.
Responding to Red Bull’s announcement of the news on social media, Nicole Piastri wrote: “Speechless. Love you Yuki” with a love heart emoji.
Speaking to Jase & Lauren on NOVA 100, Nicole said Oscar’s position being within striking distance of the championship going into the final race was “very surreal”.
“But Oscar, when he sets his mind to something, he goes for it. If anyone can do it, Oscar can,” she said.
“It’s kind of hard to think back — a few years ago, this was his dream, just to be in an F1 car.
“I’m incredibly proud of Oscar, more so as a person than as a driver. I think his loyalty, his integrity, his humility, his determination, has just shone through. And I’m so thrilled that the world gets to see the good person that he is.”
24-year-old Piastri and 25-year-old Tsunoda came up in the ranks together, and Nicole Piastri has spoken in the past of favour for the Japanese racer.
She has previously said Tsunoda is her favourite driver (besides Oscar) and jokingly offered to adopt him.
Tsunoda currently sits 15th in the standings with 33 points and no wins or podiums, 363 points behind teammate Max Verstappen. The Dutchman enters Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as one of the favourites for a fourth consecutive world championship, battling Piastri and McLaren’s Lando Norris.
French driver Isack Hadjar will step into Tsunoda’s seat after an impressive rookie season in 2025, despite a rocky opener that saw him end up in the barriers at the Australian Grand Prix.
“After all the hard work I have put in since joining the junior team, it’s such a great reward,” Hadjar said in a Red Bull statement.
“I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career and they kept believing and pushing me.
“It’s an awesome move to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.”
Tsunoda was promoted to the senior Red Bull outfit at the third round of the season and will remain with the organisation as a reserve and test driver.
Originally published as Oscar Piastri's mum throws support behind axed Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda
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