Yuki Tsunoda’s future in F1 depends on his performance at Red Bull, with Honda eyeing Aston Martin if he falters.
It’s now official: Yuki Tsunoda has secured the long-awaited promotion at Red Bull Racing, leaving Liam Lawson behind. Starting with the Japanese Grand Prix in just over a week, Tsunoda will race at home in Japan, driving an RB21, a car he has only tested in the simulator at Milton Keynes this week.
The Japanese driver has expressed his readiness, stating he’s 100% prepared and confident he can get closer to Max Verstappen than his teammates since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure.
But what if he doesn’t live up to expectations? It’s clear that Tsunoda’s F1 future hinges on this moment. If he performs well and shows he can get closer to Verstappen than Lawson did, or even better than Sergio Perez last season, he could secure his place for the rest of the season and potentially beyond.
However, if he falls short, a seat on the sidelines could be inevitable. Simply put, it’s a make-or-break situation for the Japanese driver.
Tsunoda’s only backup plan would be Honda, his sponsor, which has reportedly put €10 million on the table to facilitate this early seat swap. But after the 2025 season, Honda will no longer have ties to Red Bull’s two teams.
Honda’s Future Focus: Aston Martin for Tsunoda
Honda is already preparing for the future, indicating a potential move for Tsunoda to Aston Martin F1. Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, confirmed that Honda’s support for Tsunoda through Red Bull will end by the year’s close.
“Honda has a sponsorship contract with Tsunoda. We haven’t abandoned him, and we’re actively involved. But after this year, we won’t be able to support him if he stays at Red Bull. That will be Red Bull’s decision.”
Watanabe further confirmed that Honda will cease all negotiations with Red Bull regarding drivers after this year.
“Yes, that will no longer be the case. For a seat from 2026 onward, the team we can discuss with is Aston Martin, not Red Bull.”
If Tsunoda chooses (and can) stay with Red Bull, Honda won’t be able to back him beyond 2025.
If he opts to join Aston Martin F1, Honda can continue to support him. However, the challenge for Tsunoda is that Aston Martin’s current drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, are already under contract through 2026.
“Yes, as far as I know, it’s set for 2026,” confirmed Watanabe. “But I hope that, in the future, a Honda-trained driver will race for Aston Martin.”
In short, Tsunoda really needs to deliver at Red Bull Racing if he wants any chance of being on the grid in 2026!
- Discover More>Verstappen voiced discontent on social media after Red Bull swapped Lawson for Tsunoda
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Tsunoda’s Red Bull Shot: Perform or Be Benched
Tsunoda’s Red Bull Shot: Perform or Be Benched
