Honda has made it clear that there is “not much more” they can do for Yuki Tsunoda, casting uncertainty over the Japanese driver’s long-term prospects in Formula 1.
Despite his strong form in 2024 securing him a one-year extension with Racing Bulls, Tsunoda’s place on the grid is far from secure.
Red Bull rejection
Tsunoda’s form has been improving steadily since his rocky rookie season in 2021, with 2024 being his strongest season to date.
Throughout his time at the team, Tsunoda has remained the one constant at Racing Bulls, holding his own against a carousel of teammates, including Nyck de Vries and 8-time race winner Daniel Ricciardo.
His standout performance in São Paulo, where he qualified a career-best 3rd and briefly entertained the possibility of a maiden podium, seemed to elevate his chances of a Red Bull promotion. However, there was a lingering sense that Red Bull’s management never considered Tsunoda in earnest, regardless of his results or potential.
Sure enough, when Sergio Perez’s expedited exit from Red Bull was announced, Tsunoda was passed up for promotion in favour of New Zealander Liam Lawson, his part-time teammate, despite having experience and statistics on his side.
Possibilities beyond the Red Bull family
Now entering his fifth year in Formula 1, Tsunoda is still under contract at Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s junior team, with no clear path for advancement. His ex-teammate, Pierre Gasly, moved on after three years with the team, signing with Alpine in 2023. Similarly, Alex Albon left the Red Bull family to join Williams after his disappointing stint as Max Verstappen’s teammate.
When Honda announced its partnership with Aston Martin, Tsunoda started being speculatively linked to a seat at the team, given his longstanding ties with the Japanese manufacturer.
However, both Aston Martin drivers are under contract for 2026—and Honda’s recent statements regarding Tsunoda’s future have been tepid at best.
Tsunoda advised not to depend on Honda
Honda Racing President Koji Watanabe has cautioned that Honda is unable to assist Tsunoda in securing a drive.
“He [Tsunoda] needs to take action himself,” Watanabe told Japanese Motorsport.com. “I want him to make the best choices for himself. He’s now in his fifth year, has the ability, and understands the world of F1 well.
“There’s not much more we can do for him. He needs to solidify his support team, including his manager, and secure the necessary seat. He is a professional, after all.”
Watanabe stressed that, while the Honda sponsorship is still active, Tsunoda is now “fundamentally an independent driver” who should take matters related to his F1 career into his own hands.
“Drivers can’t rely on Honda forever,” the Honda Racing president continued. “Someone of Tsunoda’s career level needs to think for himself.
“Tsunoda has a sponsorship agreement with us. He is fundamentally an independent driver, but we support him as a sponsor.”
This sentiment seemingly also extends to Tsunoda’s compatriot, Ayumu Iwasa, Red Bull junior and F1 hopeful.
“In theory, there could be opportunities with Aston Martin, but Iwasa is free to make his own career decisions,” Watanabe said.
Takuma Sato, an Indy 500 winner and former F1 driver turned executive at Honda Racing Corporation, reinforced this position, saying: “Yuki has nothing to do with Honda anymore.
“I want him to go to Red Bull, Mercedes, or Ferrari as soon as possible. If he doesn’t move on, it blocks the path for younger drivers.
“He has made it this far, so there’s no need for Honda or HRC to step in and negotiate for him anymore.”
Where does this leave Tsunoda?
Helmut Marko has suggested that the 2025 season may prove decisive for Tsunoda.
“He [Tsunoda] has a young, fast teammate next to him and it’s his own future, you know, so he has to motivate himself,” Marko told Dutch journalists at Motorsport.com.
“If he is doing well, then there is a future. If not, then maybe there’s no more chance in F1 for him.”
Most drivers are currently locked into contracts that extend beyond 2025, leaving Tsunoda with limited options. However, if he impresses on track and decisively outperforms his latest rookie teammate, Isack Hadjar, Tsunoda could position himself as an attractive replacement for an underperforming driver somewhere on the grid.
