AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Yuki Tsunoda Denies Honda Ties Are Blocking His Red Bull F1 Promotion

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull Frustration: ‘I Don’t Know What More I Can Do’

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 28: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Visa Cash App RB in the paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on November 28, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202411280337 // Usage for editorial use only //

Yuki Tsunoda has dismissed speculation that his connection to Honda, Red Bull’s long-time engine supplier, is behind the team’s decision to overlook him for a seat at their main Formula 1 outfit. The Japanese driver has expressed frustration after Red Bull chose to promote Liam Lawson to replace Sergio Perez for the 2025 season, despite Tsunoda’s strong performances in 2024.


Honda Ties and Red Bull’s Decision

With Honda set to end its partnership with Red Bull after the upcoming season and transition to Aston Martin in 2026, rumors have swirled that Tsunoda’s close ties to the Japanese automaker might be a factor in Red Bull’s hesitation to promote him. Tsunoda, however, dismissed this notion:

“It doesn’t really make sense. I don’t think the reason they don’t want to put me in Red Bull has anything to do with Honda’s future,” he told reporters. “Otherwise, it wouldn’t add up.”

Tsunoda emphasized that his contract with Honda remains active beyond 2026 but suggested that its flexible terms mean the automaker isn’t influencing Red Bull’s decisions.


2024: Tsunoda’s Standout Year

Tsunoda’s case for a Red Bull seat seemed stronger than ever in 2024. Emerging as AlphaTauri’s top driver, he scored 30 of the team’s 46 points and outperformed his teammates, including Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson, over the course of the season. His strong start to the year earned him a contract extension, while Ricciardo, often seen as Red Bull’s fallback option, was released.

Reflecting on his performance compared to Lawson, Tsunoda said: “It’s quite clear what I’ve done this year. I’ve proven myself against my teammates. I feel I’ve earned a chance.”


Red Bull’s Skepticism

Despite his on-track success, Red Bull reportedly remains unconvinced about Tsunoda’s ability to handle the pressures of racing alongside Max Verstappen. Concerns over his consistency and temperament have been cited as potential obstacles. The Abu Dhabi post-season test, where Tsunoda drove the RB20, may have impressed Red Bull engineers, but it wasn’t enough to sway their decision.

Tsunoda acknowledged the political nature of Formula 1: “It’s one of the most political sports. Anything can happen. But it’s up to them. I just focus on delivering every race.”


Communication with Red Bull

Tsunoda admitted that his contact with Red Bull’s top management has been limited. However, he shared an interaction with team boss Christian Horner earlier in the season that left him cautiously optimistic:

“Christian told me, ‘I’m keeping an eye on you.’ So I don’t think I’m being blocked by them, at least not from what they’ve told me.”

When asked whether Helmut Marko has been more supportive of his career than Horner, Tsunoda replied diplomatically: “I don’t know.”


The Path Ahead

While Tsunoda’s hopes of joining Red Bull’s senior team have been dashed for now, his journey in Formula 1 is far from over. His performances in 2024 solidified his reputation as a talented driver, and with Honda’s backing and his contract with AlphaTauri, he remains a key figure in Red Bull’s ecosystem.

Still, the decision to promote Lawson over Tsunoda serves as a reminder of the intense competition and complex dynamics within the Red Bull driver program. For Tsunoda, the challenge now is to continue delivering standout performances and keep himself in contention for future opportunities.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Isack Hadjar Thrives Under Pressure as He Secures Red Bull F1 Future for 2026
Motorsports

Isack Hadjar Thrives Under Pressure as He Secures Red Bull F1 Future for 2026

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Arthur Ling
October 12, 2025
Verstappen’s Fiery Comeback: How Red Bull’s Bold Upgrades Ignite Title Hopes!
Motorsports

Verstappen’s Fiery Comeback: How Red Bull’s Bold Upgrades Ignite Title Hopes!

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Redação
October 12, 2025
Ferrari’s F1 2025 Nightmare: Leclerc Reveals Shocking Struggles and Unraveled Ambitions
Motorsports

Ferrari’s F1 2025 Nightmare: Leclerc Reveals Shocking Struggles and Unraveled Ambitions

ASPhotography

by Simon Monroy
October 12, 2025
McLaren’s Controversial Championship Win: Steiner Slams Team as ‘W***ers’ After Singapore Chaos!
Motorsports

McLaren’s Controversial Championship Win: Steiner Slams Team as ‘W***ers’ After Singapore Chaos!

2025 Kym Illman

by David Castro
October 12, 2025

Recent News

Museu Skoda: 130 anos de história

Skoda Museum: 130 Years of History

October 13, 2025
Mais de seis milhões de carregamentos de veículos eletrificados na rede pública em 2025

“More than six million electric vehicle chargeings on the public network in 2025.”

October 13, 2025
Elétricos do Grupo VW: vendas crescem mas…

“Volkswagen Group electric vehicles: sales grow but…”

October 13, 2025
BYD inaugura no Brasil a maior fábrica da América Latina

BYD inaugurates the largest factory in Latin America in Brazil.

October 13, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.