In the eyes of many, Yuki Tsunoda was unlucky not to earn a Red Bull contract for 2025. The team’s decision to promote Liam Lawson instead, though not entirely unpopular, was certainly a controversial one.
Not only did Tsunoda miss out on a Red Bull deal, but his contract with the Milton Keynes squad prevented him from exploring options elsewhere in the market.
To mate matters worse, the 24-year-old cannot count on Honda to help him in contract negotiations.
Tsunoda gets the short end of the stick
Over the last few seasons, Tsunoda has performed at a high level. This is something few people in the paddock would dispute, having seen the Japanese driver dispatch of several teammates.
Having been more than a match for De Vries and Ricciardo – before outscoring Lawson last year – the Japanese driver’s market value is relatively high.
Indeed, it is understood that both Haas and Audi were interested in his services last season.
It was Red Bull’s decision to activate their option on Tsunoda’s contract that prevented him from evaluating his alternatives ahead of 2025.
Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, this puts him in a very awkward position. The majority of drivers are on multi-year contracts, with only a few seats unfilled for 2026.
With Red Bull seemingly uninterested in promoting him, regardless of his performance, his future in F1 is uncertain.
Christian Horner’s outfit have already suggested that it would be illogical for Tsunoda to spend another year in the second team.
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing, explains that Honda cannot offer Tsunoda any help in securing a seat:
“He’s in his fifth season in F1 now,” he told jp.motorsport.com.
“He’s an experienced driver, and he’s on his own. I hope he makes the decision that’s best for him.
“In that sense, I think this year is a very important season. And I think next year’s seat will probably be decided very quickly.
“So I want him to seize the opportunity and timing, and take the next step. I believe he can do that.
“I think he needs to take action on his own. He’s in his fifth year, he’s skilled, and he knows the world of F1 very well.
“There’s not much we can do for him.”
What next for Tsunoda?
Often, the extent to which Honda have assisted Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 career in the past has been exaggerated.
Considering his performances over recent years (including his second F1 season, 2022, when he largely matched Pierre Gasly), the Japanese driver has earned a place on the grid on merit.
However, it cannot be said that having Honda in his corner was not beneficial.
At a Red Bull team who have consistently proven they are uninterested in giving him a promotion, the future is unclear.
Were this year’s driver market open as it was in 2024, there would undoubtedly be landing spots for Tsunoda. Regrettably, the market is now very limited.
This is not to suggest that staying at VCARB for another season is out of the question – especially since Red Bull could use a reliable benchmark in the event they promote Arvin Lindblad in 2026.
Moreover, even if Tsunoda does not secure a place on next year’s grid, the majority of the field will be on expiring contracts in 12 months time. This could provide at least a few chances to secure a comeback.
Then again, the fact such a scenario is even being discussed points to how Tsunoda’s position – for reasons beyond his control – is far from ideal.
