Although all indications suggest Liam Lawson will be Perez’s replacement at Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda is not giving up. Tsunoda was extremely positive after completing his running in the RB20 at the Abu Dhabi post-season test.
Positive day for Tsunoda in the RB20
Arguably the most consistent talking point concerning the RB20 in 2024 was its drivability.
Sergio Perez consistently described the car as difficult to drive – a sentiment shared by Christian Horner.
Although this does not excuse Perez’s performances, it does highlight a familiar theme for Verstappen’s teammates.
Whilst Red Bull have produced plenty of title-winning cars, their machines often suffer from a very limited operating window.
However, Yuki Tsunoda’s assessment of the RB20 was generally positive:
“You can physically feel why the RB20 has been fighting for a championship this year,” he told the media in Abu Dhabi.
“I feel a clear difference to what I was driving [this season].
“The tyre degradation was feeling much less compared to what I had in the previous car…
“To be honest, I didn’t really struggle much to adapt. I didn’t have many dirty laps.
“On the long runs, I have been able to run consistently – and straight away felt the limitations of the car.
“Which, if you don’t have confidence in the car, you can’t feel any limitations.”
READ MORE: Why Yuki Tsunoda is at a dead end with Red Bull
Tsunoda awaits Red Bull’s 2025 decision
Of course, it benefits Tsunoda to speak in complimentary terms about the car’s characteristics.
If the 24-year-old can adapt to the RB20 relatively easily, he could potentially adjust to next year’s car as well – helping Red Bull avoid an increasingly common headache.
Then again, it is unclear if Tsunoda’s post-season programme will have any influence on the team’s decision.
After all, it was only at the request of Honda that Red Bull agreed to put Tsunoda behind the wheel for the Abu Dhabi test.
Although the team will have more data on Tsunoda after today’s running, it seems unlikely Red Bull’s perspective on its driver roster will change.
There can be little doubt that conversations are taking place behind the scenes to replace Sergio Perez.
Assuming Red Bull can reach an agreement with Perez, potentially involving a financial settlement, the path will be clear for Verstappen’s next teammate.
However, Yuki Tsunoda is not the favourite to join the Austrian squad.
The consensus is that Liam Lawson will join Red Bull in 2025, with team principal Christian Horner showing a preference for the Kiwi driver for some time.
Then again, stranger things have happened than a last-minute change of heart at Red Bull.
In the aftermath of a very solid season, all that remains is for Yuki Tsunoda to wait for the team’s final call.
