Honda Offered Red Bull Discounted Engines to Keep Yuki Tsunoda in F1

Honda reportedly made a significant offer to Red Bull, proposing cheaper engines for 2026 in an attempt to secure a Formula 1 race seat for Yuki Tsunoda. However, Red Bull ultimately declined the offer, confirming Isack Hadjar alongside Max Verstappen, with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls.

Why it matters:

This reported offer highlights Honda's strong commitment to supporting its protégé, Yuki Tsunoda, even as the manufacturer prepares to switch allegiance to Aston Martin in 2026. For Red Bull, the decision underscores their strategic vision for their driver development program and their confidence in their homegrown talent, despite potential financial incentives.

The Details:

• The Offer: According to Auto Motor und Sport, Honda offered Red Bull its 2026 F1 engines at a reduced cost if Tsunoda was kept in a race seat for the upcoming season.
• Red Bull's Decision: Red Bull announced that Isack Hadjar, following a strong rookie season with Racing Bulls, will partner Max Verstappen in 2026. Liam Lawson will be joined by Arvid Lindblad at Racing Bulls.
• Tsunoda's New Role: Despite losing his race seat, Tsunoda will remain within the Red Bull family, transitioning into a test and reserve driver role.
• Honda's Future: Honda will be supplying power units to Aston Martin from 2026, while Red Bull will be producing its own powertrains with technical support from Ford.
• TPC Testing: Red Bull will still require Honda power units for TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) tests in 2026.
• Continued Discount: Even without a race seat for Tsunoda, Red Bull is reportedly set to receive a smaller discount on Honda's engines as part of the agreement to retain him as a reserve and test driver.

The Big Picture:

Red Bull's decision to promote Hadjar over retaining Tsunoda, even with Honda's enticing offer, speaks volumes about their long-term driver strategy. It signals a clear commitment to nurturing talent from within their junior program and prioritizing their own independent powertrain project with Ford. While Honda's loyalty to Tsunoda is evident, Red Bull chose to stick to its internal development path, setting the stage for a new era of drivers and engine suppliers.

What's next:

Yuki Tsunoda will embark on a new chapter as Red Bull's test and reserve driver, continuing to contribute to the team's development. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar will step up to a full-time F1 race seat, marking a significant milestone in his career. The 2026 season will see Honda's new partnership with Aston Martin, while Red Bull's own Ford-backed powertrains will debut, ushering in a transformative period for both manufacturers and teams on the F1 grid.