In a shocking twist of events in the world of Formula 1, Honda has given the green light for Yuki Tsunoda to potentially make a move to Haas, despite the team’s partnership with rival Japanese manufacturer Toyota. This unexpected development has left the F1 community buzzing with anticipation.
Ever since Tsunoda joined Red Bull mid-season in 2025, his performance has been under scrutiny, raising doubts about his ability to address the team’s long-standing issue with the second driver position. With only seven points to his name in 10 race weekends, Tsunoda has struggled to adapt to the challenges posed by Red Bull’s RB21 car.
While Red Bull has maintained that Tsunoda will complete the season alongside superstar Max Verstappen, rumors of a possible early replacement continue to swirl. However, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) President Koji Watanabe has reassured that Tsunoda’s position at Red Bull is secure for the time being.
Watanabe stated, “I am aware that there are various rumors going around, but I confirmed with the team at Silverstone that basically Yuki will be racing for Red Bull until the end of this season. I would like to state clearly that this is the case. I think this is also a sign of Red Bull’s high expectations for Yuki.”
Despite Honda’s unwavering support, Red Bull’s struggles on the track have been more significant than anticipated, with the team failing to keep up with McLaren’s leading pace. Nevertheless, Watanabe has pledged full support to Red Bull as they aim to conclude their partnership on a positive note.
Looking ahead, Tsunoda has been linked with a potential move to Aston Martin following Honda’s exclusive engine provider deal with the team starting in 2026. However, Aston Martin has affirmed their commitment to fielding Fernando Alonso alongside Lance Stroll for the upcoming season.
As Tsunoda navigates the remaining 12 races of the season, the pressure is on for him to deliver standout performances to secure his spot on the grid. Watanabe emphasized, “The expectations have not changed, and if he achieves results in the second half of the season, I think that will increase his chances for the future.”
When questioned about a possible deal with Haas, despite their alliance with Toyota, Watanabe dismissed any obstacles, stating, “No problem. They are not Team Toyota.” With Haas already having Esteban Ocon and promising rookie Oliver Bearman under contract, Tsunoda’s potential move adds an intriguing layer to the F1 driver market.
Amidst all the speculation and uncertainty, one thing is clear – the F1 world is bracing for a potential shake-up with Yuki Tsunoda at the center of it all. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in the high-octane world of Formula 1.
