Tsunoda confirms key split after Red Bull snub

Yuki Tsunoda has confirmed a split from his managers after he missed out on a promotion to Red Bull this year.

Tsunoda was linked with a move to the front-running squad late last season when it emerged Red Bull and Sergio Perez were heading towards a split.

However, it was Tsunoda's former team-mate Liam Lawson who got the call-up despite the New Zealander having far less F1 experience.

Honda, who has strong ties to Tsunoda, will end its association with Red Bull this year and join up with Aston Martin in 2026 to exclusively supply the team with power units.

It has left Tsunoda's future within the Red Bull family in question as team principal Christian Horner already hinted it is unlikely to field Tsunoda at its sister team for a sixth successive campaign.

As he looks to his future, Tsunoda confirmed he has had a management change in the winter break.

“I am not working [with] Mario [Miyakawa] anymore, and Luis [Alvarez] as well,” Tsunoda told Autosport. “I'm really happy with Diego.”

Tsunoda is referring to his new manager, Diego Menchaca, who has raced sportscars across the last handful of years.

Menchaca has left Tsunoda impressed by the early effort he has put in to secure Tsunoda's future in the racing industry.

“He's motivated, definitely,” the Racing Bulls driver said. 

“Once we decided to work together, he immediately went to Helmut's [Marko, Red Bull advisor] office to build a relationship. 

“That kind of effort, I really appreciate - and obviously, Helmut did too.

“They already have a good relationship, which is a good start. But in the end, the most important thing is to perform on track, which will make Diego’s life easier.”