Update on Tsunoda's future - Is this team now really out of contention?

With Aston Martin signing Jak Crawford as the team's third driver, it may at first glance appear that the door is closed for Yuki Tsunoda at the British team, which will run Honda engines next season. But is that really the case?

These are uncertain times for Yuki Tsunoda. After a difficult season as Max Verstappen’s teammate, will he get another chance at Red Bull Racing in 2026, or will the Japanese driver return to Racing Bulls? Or is there no room left in the Red Bull family at all?

Tsunoda not at Red Bull, but a return to Racing Bulls?

The first option — a second year at Red Bull Racing — now seems to be entirely off the table, with Isack Hadjar being the leading candidate to line up alongside Verstappen in 2026.

A return to Racing Bulls — however unlikely that previously seemed — is now a serious possibility, GPblog learned during the Grand Prix weekend in Austin. Decision-makers at the Red Bull teams are unsure whether Tsunoda or Liam Lawson is the best choice, or whether they should have both at Racing Bulls as full-time drivers in 2026 - with Arvid Lindblad as the reserve driver.

Incidentally, that last option appears the least logical, especially after the excellent impression the young Brit when he drove Verstappen's RB21 during FP1 at the Mexico City GP.

Jak Crawford is Aston Martin’s new third driver - Photo: RacePictures

If Tsunoda misses out entirely on a seat within the Red Bull family, there will be no alternatives left on the F1 grid. Becoming a reserve driver would be his only option, and it’s no secret that Honda would like to see its protégé at Aston Martin.

That team has Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll as its full-time drivers for 2026, and Jak Crawford was announced as the team's third driver on Tuesday. The American will be present at every Grand Prix weekend with the team next year.

An escape route for Tsunoda at Aston Martin?

GPblog has learned that Aston Martin doesn't have any further news to announce on the driver squad at the moment. Does that still mean there is some room for Tsunoda and Honda - should the need arise for the Japanese driver?

After all, GPblog understands that it has not been stated that the line-up will be limited to the aforementioned three drivers (nor has it been said that more will be added).

Aston Martin also has a history of employing multiple test and reserve drivers. This season, the team has two: Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne. The Brazilian is leaving for Formula E, while what happens to the Belgian remains to be seen.

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