Honda insists Tsunoda remains 'their driver' amid Red Bull uncertainty
Honda Racing Corporation maintains Yuki Tsunoda is still their driver despite his reserve role at Red Bull-Ford, leaving his 2026 status in limbo as the manufacturer negotiates terms with the team.
Honda continues to claim Yuki Tsunoda as one of their own, but his position as a Red Bull-Ford reserve driver creates a complex dilemma for the 2026 season. With Honda shifting its partnership to Aston Martin, the Japanese driver's future depends heavily on negotiations between the two manufacturers rather than his own contract discussions.
Why it matters:
This situation highlights the messy transition period as engine partnerships realign for the new regulations. Tsunoda, a graduate of Honda's Formula Dream Project, is caught in the crossfire between his long-term backers and his current employer, potentially jeopardizing his career progression.
The details:
- HRC President Koji Watanabe clarified that negotiations are happening directly with Red Bull, not Tsunoda.
- The scope of Honda's involvement with Tsunoda depends entirely on Red Bull's proposed terms.
- Honda will not merge its driver academy with Aston Martin immediately; they will continue nurturing talent up to F2 independently before recommending drivers to the Silverstone-based team.
What's next:
The outcome of these talks will determine if Tsunoda remains on the sidelines or finds a path back to the grid. Honda plans to maintain its own driver development structure, suggesting they intend to keep control over their young talent pipeline for now.