Red Bull Racing were one of the most successful sports teams of this generation until a couple of years ago. Under Christian Horner’s leadership, the Red Bull won two Constructors’ Championships in the last five years, along with four Drivers’ Championships.
Max Verstappen has been the star of the team since he joined RB in 2016. The car has been built around his aggressive driving style. However, that hasn’t complemented his teammates well. First it was Sergio Pérez, and now Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver seems to be struggling with the car as well, leaving his future in major doubt.
HRC President Koji Watanabe breaks silence on Yuki Tsunoda’s future
Apart from being Red Bull’s engine manufacturer, Honda Racing Corporation holds some say in the team’s key decisions as well. Recently, HRC’s president Koji Watanabe spoke about the future that Tsunoda has with the RB team.
He said, “First of all, there has been no discussion about switching over during the summer break. In the first place, in the discussions with Red Bull in March, we agreed to transfer Yuki to Red Bull by saying, ‘Just because his performance is a little poor, we will not start discussions about switching over right away, but will take a long-term view.”
🚨BREAKING:
Liam Lawson will be replaced at Red Bull Racing by Yuki Tsunoda from the #JapaneseGP weekend!
[📰 @telegraaf ]#F1
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) March 25, 2025
Watanabe also mentioned that he confirmed with the team at Silverstone, that Tsunoda will be a Red Bull racer until the end of the 2025 season. Red Bull made the shocking decision to let go of Liam Lawson just two races into the season, and promoted Tsunoda.
The 25-year-old has struggled in the RB21 this season, failing to make a lasting impact. His best finish has been P9 at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Red Bull are certainly known to be impatient with their second drivers, but it looks like Tsunoda’s potential and experience is keeping him safe for now.
Watanabe weighs in on Red Bull’s chances this season
The Austrian team has seen a shocking downfall this year, and McLaren’s resurgence has not helped in any way as well. They are currently fourth in the Constructors’ standings, behind even Mercedes and Ferrari.
Watanabe says, “Looking at it positively, I don’t think Red Bull will end like this. I believe they will definitely improve their fighting power and make a comeback. Red Bull is also aware that there are still areas that need to be improved regarding their car.”
Helmut Marko Backs Yuki Tsunoda’s Comeback After Sports Psychologist Push and British GP Progress
HRC’s boss believes that Tsunoda will have to bounce back in the remaining five races for RB to fight back. Verstappen has been the only driver to win for them this year, with two triumphs so far.
Scoring only 10 points so far this season, the clock is surely ticking for Tsunoda. He will have to take his performances up a notch in a challenging car if he wants to secure the Red Bull seat for the 2026 season.
