Yuki Tsunoda given Honda reason behind repeated Red Bull snubs

Yuki Tsunoda's repeated snubs for promotion to Red Bull Racing could be because of his links with Honda, reckons Anthony Davidson. 

Tsunoda and then-Racing Bulls team-mate Liam Lawson were the candidates to replace Sergio Perez at the main Red Bull team for 2025, and although the former impressed during the post-Abu Dhabi GP test, Lawson was ultimately given the nod to partner Max Verstappen. 

The Japanese racer impressed during the 2024 season, and is puzzled about the reasons why he has been overlooked, although one reason put forward by Sky Sports F1's Davidson is because of Tsunoda's links with Honda.

He is seen as a 'Honda driver' with the firm set to join forces with Aston Martin from 2026, with Davidson suggesting that Red Bull do not want to prepare a driver for a potential world championship-challenging rival.

"They gave Checo everything they could to try and carry it on, to bring as many points as possible to the table, but it just wasn't working out," Sky Sports F1 pundit Davidson exclusively told RacingNews365.

"Maybe they could have put Tsunoda in the car, he is earning his stripes to be there, but he is a Honda driver, and with Honda moving to Aston Martin in the future, how long will you really keep hold of Yuki Tsunoda?

"What's the point in bringing him up, nurturing that talent and bring him up just for him to disappear off to Aston Martin, for example, in the future?

"So I am sure all of those thoughts came into their heads, but Lawson has clearly impressed the right people, the people whose opinions matter.

"Let's see if he can continue that on, I am fascinated to see how he is going to take this, because he is a really resilient character."

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