Yuki Tsunoda has been one of the most impressive drivers on the Formula 1 grid so far in 2024. He appears to have extracted almost the absolute maximum from his RB car.
Even though Aston Martin have been F1’s fourth-fastest team this year, Tsunoda sits 10th in the drivers’ championship. He’s out-scored Lance Stroll by 15 points to 11.
He’s also comfortably winning the intra-team battle against eight-time race-winner Daniel Ricciardo. Ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Tsunoda led 6-1 in the qualifying head-to-head and 5-2 in the races.
But despite all of that, his future remains uncertain. Like his teammate, he’s out of contract at the end of the season, and the presence of Liam Lawson complicates matters.
Lawson impressed in a five-race stint last season when Ricciardo suffered a broken wrist. Reports have claimed that Red Bull bosses will ‘definitely’ give him a seat for next year.
A Tsunoda and Lawson partnership makes sense on paper. But the Red Bull hierarchy don’t seem especially ‘bothered’ by the Japanese driver’s starring displays this season, and they may be hesitant to renew a driver who has little prospect of graduating to the top team.
Significantly, he appears to be considering alternative options. He’s emerging as a ‘major contender’ for Audi (or, rather, Sauber ahead of the German manufacturer’s takeover in 2026) and he’s also talked up the possibility of joining Aston Martin.
Tsunoda is backed by Honda, who will begin an exclusive engine partnership with Aston from 2026. He’s also ‘in the mix’ to join Haas, though they may be the least attractive option of the three.
Peter Bayer says RB want to keep Yuki Tsunoda for 2025
During the team principals’ press conference at the Monaco Grand Prix (via FIA), RB CEO Peter Bayer was asked if he was ‘keen to keep’ Tsunoda for 2025. In reply, he simply said ‘yes’.
Bayer also offered some insight into the progress the 24-year-old has made this season. He feels a change in his attitude has been crucial.
Tsunoda has previously likened himself to a ‘Monsters Inc’ character given his history of furious radio messages. But he now understands that every outburst ‘costs him a tenth’.
Red Bull executive director Helmut Marko has noticed his calmer demeanour too, citing it as key to his ‘excellent’ run of form. In his fourth season of racing, he’s managed to get himself ‘under control’.
“I definitely believe he has made a big step forward,” Bayer said. “It’s physical preparation, but it’s also his mental readiness to perform and deliver.
“One example I mentioned the other day: I think he simply understood that every time he would be swearing on the radio, that would cost him a tenth.
“So he’s got himself under control. He’s extremely professional in the work that he’s putting into the feedback with the engineers. And yes, he definitely made a big step up.”
Liam Lawson has key clause in Red Bull contract
If RB ultimately decide to retain their driver line-up, then where does that leave Lawson? Christian Horner had assured him that his ‘time would come’.
Crucially, the New Zealander has the option to leave Red Bull and race for another team if he doesn’t get a seat for 2025. And with a litany of drivers out of contract, now could be a good time to put himself on the market.
Lawson is ‘on the list’ for a few different teams, but he’s waiting for moves to happen elsewhere before he receives clarity on his future. Former F1 driver Christijan Albers feels he should have a seat already.
The 22-year-old insists his ‘dream’ is to drive for Red Bull, but his biggest priority is securing a full-time spot on the F1 grid. He might be forced into a difficult decision in the coming months.
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