Yuki Tsunoda, a key figure in Red Bull’s junior team since 2021, might finally have the opportunity to test a Red Bull Formula 1 car during the post-season Abu Dhabi test. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, recently hinted that the team has “some plans” for the Japanese driver. With Tsunoda confirmed for a fifth season in 2025 with AlphaTauri, the Honda-backed driver has become the longest-serving member of Red Bull’s development program. However, his ambitions go beyond his current team, especially as Red Bull’s second driver, Sergio Perez, has struggled, failing to secure a podium finish in the last 14 races.
Tsunoda faces a competitive environment, particularly with both Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson being significant challengers for a potential seat at Red Bull. While Ricciardo was once his main competition, Lawson’s performance in recent races has caught the attention of Red Bull’s management. Lawson scored points in Austin and has been described as a “man for the future” by Marko. Tsunoda, however, remains hopeful that he could still earn a chance with the senior team after Ricciardo’s stint. Despite the challenges, he is optimistic that Red Bull will reconsider and give him an opportunity to prove himself.
Honda has actively pushed for Tsunoda’s advancement within the Red Bull hierarchy. Koji Watanabe, head of Honda’s racing operations, confirmed that they have requested Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, to give Tsunoda a run in the RB20. Honda believes in Tsunoda’s talent and wants him to have a chance to showcase his skills at the highest level. Watanabe noted that he had spoken directly with Horner, who has not dismissed the idea but remains non-committal. Honda hopes that this opportunity will help Tsunoda move closer to a more prominent role at Red Bull.
Red Bull, for its part, is considering multiple options, including Honda’s request. Marko suggested that Tsunoda may drive the RB20 in the Abu Dhabi test as part of their post-season plans. While Tsunoda’s participation seems likely, the test regulations allow teams to field two cars—one for an experienced driver and one for a young driver who has not participated in more than two Grands Prix. Tsunoda is slated to fill the experienced driver’s role, but Red Bull has also been evaluating other talents, such as Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson, for future opportunities.
Despite his expected participation in the test, Tsunoda’s future in Red Bull’s senior team is still uncertain. Marko has stated that the final races of the 2024 season will be crucial in determining the team’s 2025 driver lineup, with both Tsunoda and Lawson being directly compared under similar conditions. Although Tsunoda is in the running for a 2025 Red Bull seat, Lawson is also being considered. Moreover, there are rumors linking Tsunoda to a possible move to Aston Martin in 2026 when Honda partners with the team as their works engine supplier.
