A dynamic Japanese duo takes over F1? Tsunoda gets green light to join this team!

12:53, 18 Jul

Updated: 15:32, 18 Jul

byLudo van Denderen

Honda believes that Yuki Tsunoda will, in principle, see out the remainder of the 2025 season as a Red Bull Racing driver. But what happens after that remains uncertain. According to the Japanese manufacturer, anything is possible, including a move to one of Red Bull’s rivals.

At the end of the current season, Tsunoda's time at Red Bull Racing will come to an end. The team will part ways with Verstappen’s teammate, who will need to explore new opportunities. One potential option for Honda’s protégé is a reserve driver role at Aston Martin, the team that Honda will supply with power units starting next season.

The Japanese manufacturer isn’t concerned that Yuki Tsunoda will be sidelined by Red Bull before the end of the season, despite his underwhelming results so far. “First of all, there has been no talk of leaving during the summer break,” said Koji Watanabe, head of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), in an interview with autosport-web.

Yuki Tsunoda has struggled to make an impression at Red Bull

"I know there are various rumors, but I have confirmed with the team at Silverstone, where the British Grand Prix took place, and I would like to make it clear that Yuki will race for Red Bull until the end of this season in principle.”

Could Tsunoda move from Honda to Haas?

Watanabe realizes there were high expectations for Tsunoda, but he could not meet them. "The expectations have not changed, and if he achieves results in the second half of the season, I think that will increase his chances for the future."

Therefore, the most logical move for Tsunoda would be to follow Honda to Aston Martin in a reserve role. Naturally, the priority remains securing him a permanent seat on the Formula 1 grid. While Cadillac has been mentioned as a possible destination, Koji Watanabe has made it clear that the team is not under consideration.

Yet for Watanabe, everything is open. A move to Haas would not be a problem, even though that team is affiliated with competitor Toyota. "No problem. They are not Team Toyota," says Watanabe.

Incidentally, there are no signs that Haas F1 is interested in Yuki Tsunoda. The team has already secured Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman for the 2026 season.