Milton Keynes, Faenza or Silverstone? Assessing Yuki Tsunoda´s F1 future
Following the Azerbaijan grand prix weekend, discussions about Yuki Tsunoda´s future in Formula One have sparked once again. The Japanese managed to claim his best result for Red Bull Racing so far, finishing in P6, the same position he started the race from. He is finally showing results, but will this be enough to secure his future with the Austrian squad? And what other options might occur for the Honda-backed driver? Lets dive into it.
@artoff1
The Red Bull dream
Sunday, 31 August, Zandvoort - Isack Hadjar crosses the line and claims his first ever podium in Formula One, Yuki Tsunoda finishes far behind in P9. Rumors about Hadjar being promoted to the main squad in 2026 have been circulating through the paddock since this day. The Frenchman has been delivering strong results so far this season, however, Tsunoda is picking up the pace as well. Not only on track, but also off circuit: The Red Bull driver is working harder then ever before. According to a report from journalist Jon Noble for The Race, Tsunoda cancelled his flight home to Japan in the summer break in order to be able to spend more time in Red Bull´s simulator in Milton Keynes. After the Italian GP, Tsunoda asked for additional sim-sessions - a move that proved to be game-changing. He found a way to improve his feeling in the RB21 and immediately applied his findings during the Baku GP weekend. After his most successful weekend as a Red Bull driver so far, he told The Race : "Something I changed on the car seems to be working really well, and obviously there is some fine-tuning with my driving as well that I've worked quite hard to improve. "I wanted to find the reason why I was so much behind [before], and I tried multiple sim sessions. Then I found something, and when I applied it to this track it seems to be working very well."
Tsunoda´s form is trending upwards, however, can the responsibles be convinced by this trend? In an interview with ORF after the Azerbaijan GP, Helmut Marko seemed confident that Red Bull Racing can still claim second place in the constructors championship with the help of Yuki Tsunoda: “Thats what we aim for (second place), and most important, Yuki showed a strong performance this time, his laptimes being close to the laptimes of Max at some point, and if you have two cars in the points, one car up in front, thats a realistic goal.” Laurent Mekies seems to be confident as well, as he is “very happy that he´s (Tsunoda) shown progress” after “never backing off working hard”, according to The Race.
On paper, all parties seem to be satisfied at the moment. However, official statements dont always reflect whats really going on behind the scenes, especially if it comes to driver transfers. Tsunoda is trying his best to secure his seat for 2026 and beyond, but the pressure is on. Helmut Marko and Laurent Mekies are well aware of Hadjar´s performances and according to Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz, “the die is already cast in terms of Isack Hadjar being Max Verstappen’s teammate next year.”
@artoff1
Back to Faenza?
The Racing Bulls, based in Faenza, are known either as an junior team for uprising stars or as an last resort for demoted Red Bull drivers. The likes of Daniil Kvyat, Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson have taken the step down in the past - with more or less success. Pierre Gasly has managed to revive his career, while Daniil Kvyat wasn´t able to regain his confidence and moreover, find another seat at another team. Being demoted from RBR also means - a return to the main squad is completely off the table.
For Yuki Tsunoda, it would be no different. If he loses his seat to Isack Hadjar, he is likely to be offered a seat at the Racing Bulls for the 2026 season - a short term option with no perspective. This move would be emotionally challenging for the Japanese but could be his last resort, as next seasons grid has been shaping up already, leaving no other realistic option for a main drive at the moment.
Opening doors to Silverstone - Honda as a stepping stone
The links between Yuki Tsunoda and Honda are no secret. The Japanese automotive giant provided support throughout Tsunoda´s junior career and still does - Honda encouraged Tsunodas promotion to Red Bull Racing at this years Japanese grand prix with financial benefits for the Austrian squad. As Honda is now setting sail for new shores - namely, Aston Martin, there is speculation that Tsunoda could follow. He would have to settle for a reserve driver role in 2026 as Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso are locked in, but for 2027 and beyond, Tsunoda would be a great option to replace either Alonso or Stroll. Fernando Alonso has already speculated about a possible career end, as he told Spanish publication AS: “If the car went well, there´s a good chance it (2026) will be my last year.” Lance Stroll remains to be an uncertain variable on the grid. His performance and Lawrence Stroll´s assessment will determine if Aston Martin can retain the Canadian in future.
Tsunoda´s move to Aston Martin would benefit both parties. The Japanese would be offered a clear perspective and could rejoin the grid within the next few seasons in competitive machinery. Aston Martin would have a strong driver in their backhand and could also tighten bonds to Honda. However, this move remains highly speculative. Its uncertain if Honda will keep on supporting Tsunoda to this extent and moreover, its unclear if Tsunoda wants to watch from the sidelines for at least one season.
@artoff1 - Aston Martin will be powered by Honda from 2026 onwards
Tsunoda´s performance will be key
Every option considered, its sure to say there is a place for Tsunoda somewhere in F1. His main goal is to stay with Red Bull Racing, the most competitive option for the 2026 season. Whether this opportunity remains open will depend on his performance for the rest of the season. His latest findings and improvements have been looking promising, however, if he can´t pick up the pace, Helmut Marko and Laurent Mekies will decide his fate.
If all else fails, Tsunoda still has the chance to pursue a new challenge. Honda could help him enter new ground, giving the Japanese a chance for a complete reset. After all, time will tell what colours Tsunoda will be wearing in the paddock in 2026.
written by Tizian Hatzmann