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Yuki Tsunoda faces uncertain future with Honda as Ford complicates Red Bull negotiations

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
January 14, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Yuki Tsunoda faces uncertain future with Honda as Ford complicates Red Bull negotiations

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 21: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 21, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202511220120 // Usage for editorial use only //

Yuki Tsunoda’s Future in Jeopardy: The Honda-Rubber Band Tension Amid Ford’s Entry into F1

In a shocking twist that could reshape the landscape of Formula 1, Yuki Tsunoda finds himself at a crossroads, caught in a whirlwind of contractual negotiations that have yet to bear fruit. The young Japanese driver, who has been under the wing of Honda since the inception of his racing career, is waiting for a definitive answer regarding his future as he takes on a reserve role at Red Bull Racing this season.

Tsunoda, once a promising talent, saw his ambitions take a hit after being ousted from his primary seat alongside Max Verstappen, where he struggled to deliver results and secure points during a frustrating campaign. Honda’s unwavering support has been a cornerstone of Tsunoda’s journey to Formula 1, but recent shifts in partnerships are throwing a wrench into their longstanding relationship.

As Red Bull pivots to develop its own power unit in the wake of Honda’s departure, the stakes have risen dramatically. With Ford now stepping into the technical partnership role at Red Bull, the dynamics have shifted precariously. Honda President Koji Watanabe confirmed the ongoing negotiations, stating, “Regarding this year’s contract with Tsunoda, negotiations are ongoing, so no specific agreement has been finalized yet.” He emphasized that the key to the situation lies not only with Honda but also with how Red Bull and Ford assess Tsunoda’s role moving forward. “Depending on the terms Red Bull proposes, the scope within which Honda can utilize Tsunoda will change… I believe that scenario is possible,” Watanabe noted, clearly indicating that the ball is in Red Bull’s court.

While Tsunoda’s fate hangs in the balance, another Honda talent, Ayumu Iwasa, has been fortunate enough to snag test and practice opportunities with Red Bull, showcasing the potential for collaboration amidst the chaos. However, Watanabe dashed hopes for a seamless integration with the newly allied Aston Martin, stating, “There are no such plans as yet,” indicating that Honda’s focus will remain on nurturing homegrown talent through its own Honda Formula Driver Program (HFDP).

With the 2026 F1 regulations on the horizon, the entire paddock is buzzing with anticipation of the changes that will revolutionize the sport—movable wings, increased electrical power, and sustainable fuel. But for Tsunoda, the immediate concern is not the future of F1 but securing a viable path forward in a rapidly evolving environment.

As the clock ticks down on negotiations, the stakes have never been higher for Tsunoda and Honda. Will he find a way to remain in the spotlight, or will the shifting sands of F1 politics bury his aspirations? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the drama is far from over, and the motorsport world is watching with bated breath.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-seasonayumu-iwasa-2max-verstappen-enoracle-red-bull-racingyuki-tsunodas
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