Tsunoda sends Red Bull message after promotion speculation

Yuki Tsunoda has responded to speculation he could be in the running for a promotion to the Red Bull team in the near future.

RacingNews365 understands clauses exist in Sergio Perez's contract which could be activated amid his difficult run of form at the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

After commencing the season in strong fashion, Perez has scored just 15 points in the last six rounds, leading to speculation he could soon be faced with the exit door at Red Bull.

Tsunoda, who has raced for Red Bull's sister team since 2021, has been linked as a potential replacement for the Mexican driver.

RB already confirmed Tsunoda for next year's campaign, however he would likely be free to depart should Red Bull call on his services.

When asked if he feels ready to fight at the front of the field, Tsunoda told media including RacingNews365: “If I’m not ready then I wouldn’t have been able to announce the next stint even at VCARB. 

“I’m feeling ready to fight against the top teams, higher positions and even Max [Verstappen].

“In the end, they [Red Bull] are the ones that are going to decide and it's one of the things I can’t control. 

“I’m just focusing on what I have to do in next two races, Haas is getting really close, so I have to stay focused with our team.”

Red Bull 'avoiding pressure', says Tsunoda

One of the clauses in Perez's contract is believed to revolve around the 34-year-old being within 100 points of Verstappen before the summer break, which kicks into gear after the Belgian Grand Prix next weekend.

The gap between the pair currently sits at 137 points - however Tsunoda asserted Red Bull is not rushing the decision over its driver line-up.

“They're not really rushing it, Checo was also announced [for 2025] two races before or a race before,” Tsunoda said.

“Checo might perform really well and if the driver is performing well, they don't have a reason to change drivers.

“In the end, all they’re doing, for sure it’s a good thing for Checo because they don't want to create any pressure.

“That’s fair and also from myself, they want me to focus on what I’m doing right now.”