Honda has confirmed it is attempting to convince Red Bull to hand Yuki Tsunoda a test outing in its F1 car to showcase his abilities.
Tsunoda has been linked with a drive at Red Bull next year amid Sergio Perez's run of poor results this season, as has his current F1 team-mate Liam Lawson.
Tsunoda has long held a relationship with the Japanese automaker who supplied Red Bull with power units from 2019 to 2021 and with whom it continues to share a technical partnership.
Having never had a test outing with Red Bull despite his five-year association with the company, Tsunoda has received backing from Honda to make the opportunity happen.
"Regarding Tsunoda, our goal is for him to work hard and secure a seat at Red Bull Racing," CEO of the Honda Racing Corporation Koji Watanabe told Autosport.
"We believe he has the talent. Of course, driver decisions are ultimately up to the team, but as a partner we’ve strongly requested that Tsunoda be given the chance to drive and test in a Red Bull car. We want to at least give him the opportunity to showcase his ability.
"I’ve also spoken directly with Christian [Horner] about this. He hasn’t ruled it out. Nothing has been decided yet, but I think we need to proceed properly."
Although Honda will end its alliance with Red Bull and join forces with Aston Martin in 2026, Watanabe has backed Tsunoda to be a long-term Red Bull driver.
“If all goes well and Tsunoda’s abilities are recognised, I believe he could remain with Red Bull beyond 2026 and compete for championships,” he stated.
"It would be ideal for Tsunoda to become more of a Red Bull driver. It’s not as if he’s parting ways with Honda forever. His current focus should be on securing a Red Bull seat, and if that’s his goal, he should pursue it."
So, should Red Bull opt to replace Perez for next season, we very simply want to know who will be promoted in a straight-choice between Tsunoda and Lawson.
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Ronhar
Perez has obviously lost it!!!! His retirement is/should be imminent...I guess after the Mexico GP and if Redbull cares for the constructors championship it should be effective immediately with Tsunoda replacing him and Isaac Hadjar replacing Tsunoda......
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BeniHana
It's funny that someone mentioned the fact that Tsunoda is supported by Honda who will leave for Aston in 26 being the reason why he is still not in a Red Bull. While a year or two ago I would agreed that he was not ready, I think his performances both in 23 and 24 merit him a Red Bull seat and Honda may need to stop supporting him if that happens to ensure long term confidence in Tsunoda being there longer than 1 year.