Honda has made it clear that it will not stand in the way of a potential move for Yuki Tsunoda to Haas, even though the American team is partnered with Toyota, a direct competitor to the Japanese manufacturer in Formula 1.
Tsunoda’s struggles since stepping up to Red Bull three races into the 2025 season have raised doubts over his long-term future with the team. The Japanese driver has only accumulated seven points from his 10 weekends with Red Bull, as he has struggled to get to grips with the unpredictable RB21.
While Red Bull has reiterated that Tsunoda will remain with the team for the duration of the season alongside Max Verstappen, rumours persist that a change could be made sooner. However, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) President Koji Watanabe has confirmed that Tsunoda’s position at Red Bull is not in jeopardy in the short term.
“At the start of this year, we agreed with Red Bull to transfer Yuki to their team, and we do not expect him to be replaced during the summer break,” Watanabe told Auto Sport Web at Silverstone. “I have also confirmed this with the team here at Silverstone. Yuki will continue racing for Red Bull until the end of this season.”
Watanabe also downplayed the significance of the persistent rumours surrounding Tsunoda’s future, emphasising Red Bull’s ongoing confidence in the driver. “This is a sign of Red Bull’s high expectations for Yuki,” he added.
The 2025 season has so far been a disappointment for Red Bull, as the team has been unable to mount a serious challenge to McLaren’s dominant pace, leaving their final campaign with Honda set to conclude without further title success. However, Watanabe has pledged that Honda will continue to support Red Bull in its bid to end the partnership on a high note.
“To be honest, looking at the results from the outside, it feels like we are struggling more than expected,” he admitted. “But when I speak with Yuki and hear his thoughts, he seems more positive than I anticipated. As long as we can improve the competitiveness of our car, we believe we can continue to seize good opportunities, and HRC will fully support the project.”
Tsunoda has been linked with a potential move to Aston Martin, following the announcement that Honda will become the team’s exclusive engine supplier from 2026. However, Aston Martin has confirmed that it plans to retain its current driver pairing of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll for the 2024 season and beyond, following next year’s regulation changes.
Watanabe acknowledged that Tsunoda’s performance in the remaining 12 races of the season will be crucial in determining his future. “The expectations remain the same. If he performs well in the second half of the season, it will improve his chances of staying on the grid,” he said.
When asked if Haas’ relationship with Toyota would present an obstacle to a potential deal, Watanabe was clear: “No problem. They are not Team Toyota.”
While Haas has already secured the experienced Esteban Ocon on a multi-year deal, along with rising star Oliver Bearman, the team remains one of the potential suitors for Tsunoda. Alpine, another team linked with the Japanese driver, also reportedly held talks with Tsunoda’s camp in 2024 before he signed his extension with Red Bull.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Tsunoda’s fate remains firmly in his own hands, with the upcoming months set to determine his next step in Formula 1.
