Red Bull considers this teammate for Verstappen, what happens with Tsunoda?

Red Bull Racing is seriously looking at Isack Hadjar as a teammate for Max Verstappen in 2026. For Yuki Tsunoda, this could potentially mean an end to his time with the Austrian team if the Frenchman actually makes the transition to Red Bull's main team. Where can the Japanese driver go next?

Helmut Marko can be ruthless: if a driver does not perform as he does in the eyes of the external advisor, then Marko unceremoniously sets that driver aside.

As far as GPblog is aware, this seems to be the fate awaiting Tsunoda after the current season, though Red Bull denies having made a decision about the Japanese driver.

Undoubtedly, there's always a chance that Red Bull decides to continue with Tsunoda. If for example, he were to win five Grands Prix in the remainder of the season, the situation could change. Is such a scenario realistic? That's another story.

Where can Tsunoda go?

If Tsunoda, who has an expiring contract, doesn't get another chance at Red Bull Racing, what possibilities are there for him? Honestly, not many. Most teams have locked in their lineup for 2026, and Tsunoda is not in the picture where there are still open spots.

Cadillac is considering Jak Crawford, Alex Dunne, and Felipe Drugovich, rather than Tsunoda. Nor is the Japanese driver mentioned at Alpine, which might be looking for a replacement for Franco Colapinto.

Helmut Marko must decide on Yuki Tsunoda

Does Honda determine Tsunoda's future?

Moreover, it begs the question of who interested teams need to negotiate with if they have interest in Tsunoda. Although the Japanese driver has a manager, Helmut Marko recently stated in an interview that talks about Tsunoda should be held with Honda.

Tsunoda is a protegé of the Japanese manufacturer, which is supplying engines to Red Bull and Racing Bulls for the last time this season. From the next season, Honda will be supplying to Aston Martin, the ambitious team with two drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, under contract.

Rumor has it that Honda is trying to place Tsunoda at Aston Martin, in the role of a test and reserve driver. Either a surprise is still up their sleeve, or it is most likely that Tsunoda will show up at Lawrence Stroll's team.

In that case, his active F1 career is (for now) over and Tsunoda has to hope for a second chance somewhere in the future. However, history has shown that once out of the sport, it's very tough to make a comeback.