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.