Yuki Tsunoda and his newly recruited management team may have been hoping for some backing from Honda as he fights to secure his place in Formula 1. Still, the signals coming from the Japanese manufacturer suggest otherwise.
Tsunoda, a product of Honda’s driver program, was fast-tracked through the European junior racing categories before making his F1 debut in 2021 with what was then AlphaTauri.
At the time, Red Bull had good reason to accept a Honda-backed driver, as the team was working to keep the manufacturer engaged in the sport following significant investment to reach a competitive level, especially after its troubled partnership with McLaren.
However, the dynamics have changed. Honda is shifting its allegiance to Aston Martin, Red Bull is focusing on developing its own engines with Ford’s support, and Tsunoda is entering his fifth F1 season without having convinced Red Bull that he deserves a promotion alongside Max Verstappen.
Where does Tsunoda fit into this equation?
Now, Honda’s message to him is clear: he’s on his own.
“He [Tsunoda] needs to take action himself,” Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe told Japanese Motorsport.com, according to Autosport. “I want him to make the best choices for himself.
“He’s now in his fifth year, has the ability, and understands the world of F1 well.
“There’s not much more we can do for him. He needs to solidify his support team, including his manager, and secure the necessary seat. He is a professional, after all.
“Drivers can’t rely on Honda forever. Someone of Tsunoda’s career level needs to think for himself.”
Watanabe had previously emphasised in a press conference that Honda sees Tsunoda as an independent driver.
“Tsunoda has a sponsorship agreement with us. He is fundamentally an independent driver, but we support him as a sponsor.”
Honda and their fresh approach with Aston Martin
Honda’s split from Red Bull has led to a broader withdrawal of support. This can be seen with Ayumu Iwasa, who has been bouncing between Formula 2 and Super Formula and is currently Racing Bulls’ reserve driver. He, too, has been told he must take charge of his own career.
“In theory, there could be opportunities with Aston Martin, but Iwasa is free to make his own career decisions,” Watanabe clarified.
This suggests that Honda is taking a fresh approach with Aston Martin and doesn’t want to carry over any commitments from its Red Bull era.
Takuma Sato, the former F1 driver and two-time Indy 500 winner who now holds an executive role at Honda Racing Corporation, echoed this sentiment about Tsunoda.
“Yuki has nothing to do with Honda anymore,” Sato said. “I want him to go to Red Bull, Mercedes, or Ferrari as soon as possible. If he doesn’t move on, it blocks the path for younger drivers.
“He has made it this far, so there’s no need for Honda or HRC to step in and negotiate for him anymore.”
Even if Honda were inclined to help, there’s no immediate space at Aston Martin. Fernando Alonso is signed until 2026, and as long as Lawrence Stroll owns the team, his son Lance Stroll’s seat remains secure. The reserve driver slot is also taken by Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 F2 champion. Beyond that, options for Tsunoda appear limited.
Feature Image credit: Red Bull Content Pool
