Honda address concerns over Yuki Tsunoda F1 future

Honda Racing President Koji Watanabe is adamant Yuki Tsunoda will at least see out the season with Red Bull.

Tsunoda has endured a difficult stint since joining Red Bull early in the campaign, scoring seven points in 10 rounds with the Milton Keynes-based squad.

His poor run of form in contrast to Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen has led to suggestions he could be replaced at the team before the season is out.

However, Watanabe has shut down the speculation linking him with an early exit.

“First of all, there has been no discussion about switching over during the summer break,” Watanabe told Japanese outlet AS. 

“In the discussions with Red Bull in March, we agreed to transfer Yuki to Red Bull by saying, 'Just because his performance is a little poor, we will not start discussions about switching over right away, but will take a long-term view.' 

“So, I don't think he will be switched over during the summer break. 

“I know there are various rumours, but I confirmed with the team at Silverstone, where the British Grand Prix was held, and I would like to make it clear that, basically, Yuki will race for Red Bull until the end of this season.”

Watanabe suggested that remaining with Red Bull into the 2026 campaign be an option for Tsunoda if the 25-year-old manages to turn around his form in the second half of the campaign.

“I think that is also a reflection of Red Bull's high expectations for Yuki,” he said. 

“Those expectations have not changed, and if he can achieve results somewhere in the second half of the season, I think that will expand his possibilities for the future."