Red Bull eye deal for Yamamoto in 2020
Red Bull eye deal for Yamamoto in 2020
Naoki Yamamoto could be set for a role with Red Bull in 2020, having made his debut in Formula 1 machinery with Toro Rosso at this year's Japanese GP.
Yamamoto is a two-time Super Formula 1 champion and also added a Super GT crown to his collection in 2018 alongside former F1 champion Jenson Button.
The 31-year-old placed second behind Nick Cassidy in Japan's open-wheel series in 2019, but caught the eye in his F1 run at Suzuka, where he lapped within a tenth of a second of Toro Rosso full-timer Daniil Kvyat as he became the first Japanese driver to take part in an F1 session since 2014.
Speaking immediately after Yamamoto's run in the STR14, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: "He doesn't fit the criteria [for a race seat at Red Bull or Toro Rosso] at the moment, but he's certainly worth giving a run and having a look at."
But it appears the Japanese driver impressed suitably to be considered for a different role with the Red Bull stable, potentially undertaking simulator work during grands prix in 2020.
Honda's F1 managing director Masashi Yamamoto told Motorsport.com: "We confirm that we are having conversations about him with Red Bull and Helmut Marko.
"We have quite a good offer, but this is not only Honda's decision or the team's decision, we have to speak to Naoki himself as well of course.
"He's participating in different series as well. It's still ongoing.
"Of course it is a very good thing for Honda to make a base for future Japanese young drivers.
"It's going to give a good influence to current young drivers we have, and other Japanese drivers.
"Of course, the driving skill or speed is needed, but it's not only about that.
"If you see Jenson Button, he's quick, but also his personality, the way he reacts to fans and also the media as well, and also the team relationship, dealing with people. Those aspects are really important."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Vettel announces F1 return as FIA single Mercedes out for Miami checks - GPFans F1 Recap
- 3 hours ago
F1 team announce SHOCK signing weeks after rival departure
- Yesterday 22:57
Former team boss quizzed on role in Newey's Red Bull exit
- Yesterday 21:57
RB reveal STRIKING new livery ahead of Miami GP
- Yesterday 20:57
EXCLUSIVE: Insider claims F1 Academy and W Series couldn't co-exist
- Yesterday 19:57
Wolff delivers big verdict on Hamilton behaviour
- Yesterday 18:57
Related news
Red Bull partner reveals HUGE F1 2026 entry details
Newey and Hamilton could enjoy stunning title REPEAT after F1 guru's Red Bull exit
Why Adrian Newey is the BEST and WORST thing to happen to F1
Lawyers involved as Newey aims to work for Red Bull rival ASAP
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860