Honda Racing Chairman Koji Watanabe is immensely proud of Yuki Tsunoda‘s first race for the Red Bull team. The young Japanese driver, who has enjoyed Honda’s support throughout his career, was transferred from the subsidiary team, Racing Bulls, in the run-up to the GP at Suzuka. During the practice sessions, Tsunoda showed promising results, although he was still far from matching his teammate Max Verstappen in the qualifying and race.
“He (Yuki Tsunoda) did a fantastic job,” responded Koji Watanabe, chairman of Honda’s racing division, to Autosport.web. “The move to Red Bull will help him for the rest of the season, and I look forward to seeing him on the podium.” Watanabe revealed that he had spoken to Tsunoda in the run-up to his home race. The chairman wanted to give the Japanese promise a boost.
“I told him to stay calm, but I was anything but calm myself,” he said with a laugh. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been so nervous. I was even afraid that I would transmit my nervousness to him, but I was delighted that he was able to keep his cool.” Many experts predicted that Tsunoda – who has made unnecessary mistakes in the past – would succumb to the pressure. A crash was avoided, but the 24-year-old driver also failed to score points during his Red Bull debut. While he initially qualified fifteenth, he eventually crossed the finish line in twelfth place.
Verstappen’s ‘Moving’ Victory
“I think his ability to turn his words into actions is truly fantastic,” said Watanabe. “His ability to apply his skills makes him an exceptional driver. Moreover, he now has good communication skills. It reassures me that he can spar well with Red Bull’s management, and I believe that will naturally lead to good results.” In the past, Tsunoda was sometimes criticized for his limited feedback, but nowadays he is said to be able to express himself excellently to the team.
The Honda chairman was equally grateful for Max Verstappen’s performance. In the last Japanese GP of the partnership between Red Bull and Honda, the Dutchman achieved a phenomenal victory. “Everything was perfect,” Watanabe responded enthusiastically. “Moreover, it was his fourth consecutive victory in Suzuka. I am really happy and grateful that he won here. The collaboration with Red Bull has been very dear to us. We were truly moved by Max’s performance.”
Despite the current ties with Red Bull, Watanabe is aware that the Austrians will become competitors from 2026 – when Honda partners with Aston Martin. “Then Red Bull is our enemy,” he concluded.
