Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson continue to await Red Bull’s call on who will become Max Verstappen’s next teammate. In the aftermath of Tsunoda’s post-season test with Red Bull, Honda have voiced their support for the Japanese driver.
Tsunoda on the agenda in Honda and Red Bull talks
It is no secret that Honda have been instrumental to Yuki Tsunoda’s path to Formula 1.
The Japanese manufacturer are the perhaps 24-year-old’s most consistent support, showing tremendous faith in his abilities.
With Honda power units playing an integral role to Red Bull’s Championship success, their considerations are relevant.
Tsunoda’s post-season Red Bull test was heavily influenced by Honda, who called for the VCARB driver to have an opportunity in the RB20.
Of course, it would be a stretch to suggest that Honda play a decisive role in Red Bull’s driver pairing.
Christian Horner ultimately has the final say on whether Tsunoda or Lawson are promoted.
Still, Honda’s outlook is still relevant, both internally and externally.
“Various discussions” over Tsunoda in the background
Honda Racing’s President, Koji Watanabe, has discussed Red Bull’s driver situation:
“I returned to Japan from Abu Dhabi yesterday afternoon,” as-web.jp quotes him as saying.
“And on Saturday, I had various discussions with Christian Horner about the drivers for next season and beyond.
“As I always say, the team has the right to decide on the driver – so our opinion is merely for reference.
“But from the HRC side, we believe that Tsunoda has the ability to be promoted to Red Bull and should be one of the candidates.
“I think what we could do is give him an opportunity to show his abilities to the world.
“So I asked for him to participate in this test, and we were able to make it happen…
“He [Tsunoda] very clearly analysed the differences between the RB [VCARB] and Red Bull car – and has given the team very useful advice and comments on that basis.
“I have confirmed from the report that Tsunoda himself is very satisfied.”
Looking beyond 2025
Because a Red Bull seat is within touching distance for Tsunoda, it is natural that analysis across F1 news outlets is almost universally focusing on the short-term.
However, it is important to consider the dynamics that could unfold in next year’s driver market.
Should Red Bull decide against promoting the 24-year-old, options elsewhere on the grid could present themselves ahead of 2026.
Yuki Tsunoda was the recipient of interest from other midfield teams earlier in 2024.
In the event that promotion continues to allude him, offers from across the paddock could become more attractive.
Inevitably, since Honda will provide Aston Martin with their power units in 2026, the Silverstone-based team has been linked with Tsunoda.
Although it is too early to determine whether Alonso or Stroll will be at the end of 2026, Lawrence Stroll’s squad is one of many potential destinations that could present themselves in the future.
