At the insistence of partner and former engine supplier Honda, Yuki Tsunoda is set to have his long-awaited test with Red Bull. The Japanese driver confirmed ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix that he has been given the opportunity to test drive for the main team. Tsunoda has been associated with Red Bull’s training team since 2021 – initially AlphaTauri, now Visa RB – but has never really been considered for promotion.
“This is a great opportunity,” Tsunoda told Motorsport.com. “Finally, I can show a bit of what I’m capable of.” The 24-year-old driver made a name for himself this season by beating Daniel Ricciardo. The affable Australian has since been replaced by Liam Lawson, another strong candidate for a contract with Red Bull. Many experts point to Lawson as the likely successor to Sergio Pérez, but Tsunoda is also eyeing that coveted seat.
“This is going to be very important,” Tsunoda explained. “But it feels good to say that I finally get this chance. So far, they have told me directly that I can go for a test, so it remains to be seen whether it actually happens. With Red Bull, you only know for sure when you’re in the car,” joked the Visa RB driver.
Support from Honda
Japanese company Honda is a significant sponsor of Yuki Tsunoda and played a major role in his debut in 2021. Recently, Koji Watanabe, president of the Honda Racing Corporation, reportedly convinced Christian Horner to organize a test. “Honda has certainly helped me,” Tsunoda confirmed. “I am very grateful to them. Of course, I also worked very hard last year.”
“I have been able to show that I have further developed,” he explained. Especially in the first few Grands Prix, Tsunoda was often praised for his mature driving style and the growth he has undergone. In the upcoming five Grands Prix, he will have to prove himself again alongside Liam Lawson. Both have until the end of this season to impress Red Bull. The first battle – the GP in Austin – was won by Lawson, who scored points during his debut for Visa RB. Tsunoda crossed the finish line in fourteenth place.
