Key F1 figure reveals news on Yuki Tsunoda's Red Bull future

Yuki Tsunoda, Spanish GP, Red Bull, 2025 — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

Key F1 figure reveals news on Yuki Tsunoda's Red Bull future

Tsunoda was promoted to Red Bull in March

Originally written by Sam Cook. This version is a translation.

Monday 21 July 2025 21:00

Honda Racing's president has opened up on talks with Red Bull over Yuki Tsunoda's future at the unsettled team.

Koji Watanabe revealed that he spoke to the team at the British Grand Prix to clarify the Japanese driver's status after a run of seven points in ten races since being promoted from Racing Bulls.

This has led to speculation about his future, particularly as Liam Lawson was axed after just two races earlier this year, and Tsunoda's old team-mate Isack Hadjar is putting in some mightily impressive performances for Racing Bulls.

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On top of this, the Milton Keynes-based outfit are experiencing some turmoil at the moment, with long-serving team principal Christian Horner axed from his role after 20 years, and Tsunoda's old boss Laurent Mekies has replaced him for the second half of the season.

Japanese car manufacturer Honda have always backed Red Bull having Tsunoda in one of their seats, due to him being the first Japanese racer in the sport since Kamui Kobayashi.

Now, Watanabe has revealed that Tsunoda will remain in the seat until the end of the 2025 season, despite his poor form.

Speaking to Japanese publication AS, Watanabe said: "First of all, there was no talk of a move during the summer break.

"In discussions with Red Bull in March, we agreed on Yuki’s transfer to Red Bull, saying: 'Just because his performance is a bit poor, we won’t start discussing the transfer right away, but we will take a long-term view.'

"So I don’t think he will be sold during the summer break. I know there are various rumours, but I confirmed with the team at Silverstone, where the British Grand Prix took place, and I would like to clarify that, fundamentally, Yuki will race for Red Bull until the end of this season."

Red Bull's 2025 struggles

Tsunoda replaced Lawson after just two races due to Lawson's dismal performances. But the fact is, Tsunoda has not fared much better.

Max Verstappen has scored 165 of Red Bull's 172 points so far in 2025, and Tsunoda's performances have contributed to Red Bull sitting down in fourth in the constructors' championship.

However, both Watanabe and Helmut Marko's comments in recent weeks suggest he is definitely staying until the end of the season, but beyond that is a bit of an uncertainty.

Verstappen has been linked with a move to Mercedes, which would make Tsunoda more of an attractive prospect for Red Bull if they don't want to have to bed in two new drivers in a season that is going to be so crucial for their new era.

On the other hand, Hadjar is surely due a promotion after his brilliant rookie season, and Lawson has managed to regain some confidence since his demotion back in March.

NASCAR Red Bull Yuki Tsunoda Liam Lawson