Yuki Tsunoda, a Japanese driver, will continue his partnership with the RB Formula 1 team until the 2025 season. Tsunoda has proven to be an exceptional driver, outperforming his more experienced teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. With RB’s continuous improvement, Tsunoda has managed to score five points in the first eight races of the Drivers’ Championship, currently holding the 10th position. Although not promoted to the main team due to Sergio Perez’s contract renewal, Tsunoda will remain at RB as part of the Red Bull team. Tsunoda has expressed his happiness and gratitude to Red Bull and Honda for their crucial role in his career. He is excited to be part of the team’s significant development project and is motivated to continue giving his best to help the team climb up the grid. Tsunoda’s focus is on the remaining races of the season, aiming to score as many points as possible and lay the groundwork for an even better performance next year with the VCARB.
Laurent Mekies, Team Principal of RB, praised Tsunoda’s remarkable progress this season and emphasized the shared goals between the team and the driver. Mekies expressed his admiration for Tsunoda’s growth in Formula 1, noting that he has consistently impressed year after year. The improvement Tsunoda has made this season is truly extraordinary, and his performance continues to surprise everyone race after race. Mekies highlighted Tsunoda’s natural speed, which is now complemented by a more mature approach, making him a fast and consistent driver and an excellent team player. The team and Tsunoda are progressively gaining a better understanding of each other’s needs, further solidifying their partnership. RB and Tsunoda share the same ambitions, providing several compelling reasons to continue their journey together. Mekies concluded by stating that Tsunoda still has much more to offer.
RB’s decision to retain Tsunoda now leaves Red Bull with a choice to make regarding their other driver. They must decide whether to keep Ricciardo or promote reserve driver Liam Lawson to a full-time race seat. Peter Bayer, CEO of RB, acknowledged Tsunoda’s background as a graduate of the Red Bull and Honda junior driver programs. He credited the collaborative efforts of all parties involved for Tsunoda’s current level of performance. Bayer expressed the team’s satisfaction with Tsunoda’s engagement with fans worldwide, as his pleasant personality has made him a valuable asset on and off the track. The team is thrilled to confirm Tsunoda as part of their future plans.
