In the high-octane world of Formula 1, one name is rapidly gaining traction amid rumors of a driver shake-up at Red Bull Racing: Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese star is positioning himself as a serious contender for a coveted 2025 seat, with support from Honda intensifying and whispers of Sergio Perez’s departure growing louder.
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) President Koji Watanabe pulled back the curtain on ongoing discussions with Red Bull, stating that Tsunoda “should be one of the candidates” for a promotion. The statement comes on the heels of Tsunoda’s impressive outing in the post-season Abu Dhabi test, where he got his first taste of Red Bull’s RB20 machine. With his sights firmly set on stepping into Perez’s shoes, Tsunoda is making waves—and headlines.
Perez Out, Lawson in—or Tsunoda? The Battle for Red Bull’s Second Seat
Speculation is rife that Red Bull will overhaul its driver lineup as the pressure mounts on Perez, whose struggles have been widely documented. New Zealand’s Liam Lawson is currently tipped as the frontrunner to claim the second Red Bull seat alongside reigning champion Max Verstappen, leaving Tsunoda to prove he deserves his shot at the big league.
Red Bull, however, reportedly remains cautious about Tsunoda’s readiness, with concerns over his consistency and temperament in the cutthroat environment of a top-tier team. Despite the skepticism, Tsunoda’s camp is undeterred. His maiden Red Bull test, orchestrated by Honda, was a critical step in his bid to silence doubters.
Honda’s Full-Court Press for Tsunoda
Honda’s leadership isn’t holding back its advocacy for Tsunoda. Speaking to Japanese media, Watanabe emphasized that the Abu Dhabi test was a strategic opportunity to showcase the young driver’s skills.
“We achieved the test participation we had asked for,” Watanabe revealed. “From HRC’s perspective, we believe Tsunoda is fully capable of being promoted to Red Bull and should be one of the candidates. The teams ultimately make the decisions, but we are providing our opinions as a reference.”
Honda’s push is clear: they want Tsunoda to spearhead their legacy as they return to the F1 spotlight in partnership with Aston Martin from 2026. For now, they’re pulling every string to ensure Tsunoda’s journey with Red Bull doesn’t end at AlphaTauri.
Takuma Sato’s Endorsement: A Star on the Rise
F1 veteran Takuma Sato also joined the chorus of support for Tsunoda, highlighting the 23-year-old’s relentless progression since his 2021 debut.
“In Bahrain, he blew everyone away with his speed,” Sato said. “He has matured tremendously over the past four years, developing his race craft, self-control, and management skills. His driving style fits the sharp characteristics of Red Bull cars. After his Abu Dhabi test, it’s clear he’s ready for the next step.”
Sato isn’t alone in his optimism. Reports from Honda indicate that Tsunoda’s feedback during the test was sharp and insightful, impressing both Red Bull engineers and management. His adaptability to the 2024 Red Bull machine has further strengthened his case.
Tsunoda’s Determination: “I’m Ready to Shine”
Reflecting on his Abu Dhabi experience, Tsunoda exuded confidence, stating that he felt comfortable in Red Bull’s RB20. “I wanted to get a good result, and I enjoyed the experience,” he said. Honda confirmed that Tsunoda provided invaluable insights into the car’s performance, a testament to his growing technical acumen.
As Honda’s Watanabe put it, “Tsunoda is very happy with the results. Now, we wait and see. It would be wonderful if this works out.”
The Road Ahead: Will Tsunoda Join Verstappen?
The decision now lies with Red Bull’s brass, led by Christian Horner. While the team’s top priority is maintaining their dominance with Verstappen, the choice of his teammate could define the next chapter of their dynasty. Will they gamble on the raw potential of Liam Lawson, or will they bet on the steady rise of Yuki Tsunoda?
One thing is clear: Tsunoda isn’t just waiting for a call. He’s making his case with every lap, every test, and every statement of intent. With Honda in his corner and an unwavering focus on seizing his moment, the 2025 F1 season could see the dawn of a new chapter in Red Bull’s legacy—and Yuki Tsunoda’s career.