Yuki Tsunoda: Honda rule out move for Red Bull driver amid rumours of mid-season move
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Honda Racing President Koji Watanabe commented on the Formula 1 future of Yuki Tsunoda, whose career has been closely tied to the Japanese automotive giant.
Tsunoda's Honda connection was a key factor in his acceptance into the Red Bull Junior Team and subsequent promotion to AlphaTauri in 2021.
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He moved up to Red Bull's main team early this season, but has only managed seven points in ten races.
This underwhelming performance fueled speculation about Tsunoda's potential replacement before the season's end.
Honda president pours cold water on Yuki links
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Red Bull has repeatedly dismissed these rumors, and now Watanabe confirms this, revealing that he spoke with Red Bull's management at the British Grand Prix and received assurances that Tsunoda will finish the season.
"First and foremost, there have been no discussions about a mid-season driver change. During our talks with Red Bull in March, we agreed to transfer Yuki to Red Bull with the understanding that we'd take a long-term view, and a few poor performances wouldn't trigger immediate replacement talks.
"I know there are various rumors, but I received assurances at Silverstone that Yuki will race for Red Bull at least until the end of the season. I think this reflects the team's continued faith in Yuki. Their expectations haven't changed, and if Yuki delivers strong results in the second half of the season, it will open up more opportunities for his future," Watanabe stated.
Honda and Red Bull will part ways at the end of the year, placing Tsunoda's future with the team in question.
Of course, he could remain at Milton Keynes without Honda's backing.
Alternatively, Tsunoda might find a place with Aston Martin, who will begin a partnership with Honda in 2026.
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