Yuki Tsunoda’s journey in Formula 1 is reaching a critical juncture as the young Japanese driver, backed by Honda, is poised to potentially step into a Red Bull Racing seat. After joining Red Bull’s junior team in 2021, Tsunoda has quietly become the longest-serving driver in the team’s development program. Now, with Honda’s strong support and Red Bull’s growing need for consistency, Tsunoda’s long-awaited chance to drive a Red Bull car may finally be on the horizon.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, recently dropped a tantalizing hint, stating that the team has “some plans” for Tsunoda at the post-season Abu Dhabi test. This could be the opportunity Tsunoda has been waiting for—a chance to prove himself in a Red Bull RB20, potentially paving the way for a full-time seat in the future.
The timing couldn’t be more significant. Red Bull’s current second driver, Sergio Perez, is enduring a rough patch, missing the podium in 14 consecutive races and sitting a disappointing eighth in the Drivers’ Championship standings. As Perez struggles, Red Bull has been evaluating potential replacements, and Tsunoda is eager to capitalize on the opportunity.
“I hope so,” Tsunoda said when asked about his chances of driving for Red Bull. “Hopefully after Daniel, things happen. Hopefully, they change their mind.”
Tsunoda’s comments come after fending off internal competition from Daniel Ricciardo earlier in the season, only to face a new challenge in Liam Lawson. Lawson, who impressed during his stint replacing the injured Ricciardo, scored points in Austin and caught the attention of Marko, who praised him as a “man for the future.”
But Tsunoda’s backing by Honda remains his ace card. The Japanese automaker, soon to become Red Bull’s engine supplier again, has been lobbying for Tsunoda’s shot at the senior team. Koji Watanabe, head of Honda Racing, has directly requested Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to let Tsunoda test the RB20, expressing Honda’s belief in his talent. Watanabe stated, “Our goal is for him to secure a seat at Red Bull Racing. We believe he has the talent.”
While driver decisions ultimately rest with Red Bull, the team’s strong partnership with Honda could tip the scales in Tsunoda’s favor. Marko has already confirmed that Red Bull is considering the plan, and sources suggest that Tsunoda is indeed scheduled to drive the RB20 in Abu Dhabi, a move two months in the making according to reports from PlanetF1.com.
This test could be the defining moment of Tsunoda’s career. With Red Bull’s long-term plans in flux and Perez underperforming, the stars might just be aligning for Tsunoda to make the jump from AlphaTauri to Red Bull in the coming seasons. As Honda’s golden boy and a proven talent in F1, Tsunoda’s time to shine may be closer than ever, with 2025 potentially marking the beginning of a new chapter in his Formula 1 journey.
