Yuki Tsunoda has shared his expectations for his future teammate. Prior to the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, the Japanese driver was asked whether he would prefer a young or more experienced driver alongside him in 2025. Tsunoda already has a secured seat with Red Bull’s sister team, while his teammate Daniel Ricciardo’s future remains uncertain.
It was announced in early June that Tsunoda’s contract with Visa Cash App RB will be extended at least until 2025. The Japanese driver made his debut with the then AlphaTauri in 2021. During his tenure with Red Bull’s sister team, Tsunoda has had four teammates: Pierre Gasly, Nyck de Vries, Daniel Ricciardo, and Liam Lawson. Given Ricciardo’s ongoing disappointing performances, Tsunoda may have a new teammate in 2025.
During the press conference preceding the Spielberg race weekend, Tsunoda was asked about Ricciardo’s uncertain situation. He was also asked if he has any expectations for his teammate next year. “Would you prefer a young teammate, or one with experience?” was the question posed to the Japanese driver. “Both,” was Tsunoda’s short but clear answer.
Is Lawson a Good Candidate?
Based on Tsunoda’s response, it seems that Liam Lawson might be a good candidate for the second Visa RB seat in 2025. Lawson replaced Ricciardo for five races in 2023 after the Australian injured his hand during a free practice in Zandvoort. The New Zealander managed to finish above Logan Sargeant and Nyck de Vries in the drivers’ championship with two points. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has also previously expressed his desire to see Lawson in the RB seat.
