Yuki Tsunoda’s Formula 1 career may face a crossroads as the 2025 season approaches. With Red Bull’s partnership with Honda set to end after 2025, and Jacques Villeneuve predicting Tsunoda’s F1 days are numbered, the Japanese driver’s future beyond Honda’s backing is uncertain.
A Honda-fueled journey
Since his F1 debut, Tsunoda has been synonymous with Honda’s support. The Japanese automaker played a pivotal role in facilitating his rise through the Red Bull ranks, even securing him opportunities like a maiden Red Bull test in Abu Dhabi.
However, with Honda transitioning to a works partnership with Aston Martin in 2026 and Red Bull moving to in-house powertrain development, Tsunoda’s direct connection to Honda will no longer be a lifeline.
Jacques Villeneuve’s blunt prediction
1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has not minced words about Tsunoda’s precarious position.
“Tsunoda will be the first driver to leave the grid,” Villeneuve told Action Network. “He’s only there because of Honda. At some point, this will stop.”
Villeneuve believes that without Honda’s backing, Tsunoda will struggle to find a seat, especially given that Red Bull overlooked him for promotion in favor of Liam Lawson, who has just 11 Grand Prix starts.
Tsunoda’s performance in 2024
Despite Villeneuve’s grim outlook, Tsunoda demonstrated solid performances in 2024, outperforming teammates Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson in head-to-head race and qualifying metrics. However, his continued presence with the Racing Bulls for a fifth season in 2025 suggests Red Bull views him more as a reliable midfield driver than a potential star.
Limited options for 2026
With Red Bull’s doors seemingly closed for a long-term future, Tsunoda faces a tough battle to secure a seat elsewhere:
- Aston Martin: Honda’s new partner already has Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll on their books, making a spot unlikely unless Alonso retires or Stroll departs.
- Cadillac: If the 11th team joins the grid, it could be a lifeline, but competition for seats is expected to be fierce, with experienced drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez in the mix.
- Other teams: Ferrari, McLaren, Sauber, and Williams have long-term driver commitments, leaving limited vacancies.
Can Tsunoda survive without Honda?
Tsunoda’s F1 journey has always been intertwined with Honda’s influence, but the end of their partnership with Red Bull puts his future in jeopardy. To stay in the sport, Tsunoda must deliver standout performances in 2025, proving he’s more than just a “Honda-backed driver.”
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko have consistently emphasized the importance of delivering results. For Tsunoda, 2025 is a make-or-break season to showcase his value to other teams.
What’s next?
If Tsunoda can leverage his talent and improve consistency, he might catch the eye of non-Honda-powered teams. However, without significant backing or a standout 2025 campaign, the grid could be a much lonelier place for the Japanese star in 2026.