Visa Cash App RB driver Yuki Tsunoda can’t quite relax into the Formula 1 winter break just yet.
Although the season has finished, Red Bull still haven’t announced a decision on their final driver line-up for 2025.
Sergio Perez looks set to lose his seat unless he can somehow convince team principal Christian Horner that he can significantly improve.
Helmut Marko says a decision on Perez’s future will be announced very soon, meaning Yuki Tsunoda will finally know if he’s done enough to earn a coveted promotion.
Tsunoda took part in his first testing program for Red Bull after the final race in Abu Dhabi.
Tsunoda impressed Red Bull staff with his feedback, but whether that’s enough to allay some of the concerns around him is yet to be seen.
The Japanese driver was speaking at a Honda event after the season, via Autosport, and shared what his chances are of racing for Red Bull next year.
Not only that, but he feels that it may not be the best team for him going forward, highlighting his confidence in RB’s development program.
That’s despite the Italian team struggling with their mid-season updates this year as they sunk towards the back of the grid.
Yuki Tsunoda rates his chances of driving for Red Bull next season
Asked about the prospect of a promotion, Tsunoda said: “I think the chances are 50-50. Of course, I’d be happiest if I could drive for Red Bull, but I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’m receiving from everyone in this current situation.
“Regardless of which team I’m with, what I need to do remains the same. It’s not just about Red Bull.
“For all we know, VCARB might surpass them in development. It’s not like it absolutely has to be Red Bull.
READ MORE: Visa Cash App RB driver Yuki Tsunoda’s life outside F1 from height to parents
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I just want to perform well and score points.
“Standing on the podium at Suzuka would be the ultimate dream. But, to achieve that, I want to help build a better car and a better team someday.
“Until that time comes, I hope everyone can be patient.”
Red Bull leaning towards Liam Lawson promotion over Yuki Tsunoda
The main threat to Tsunoda joining Red Bull next year is his current teammate Liam Lawson.
Horner has concerns about Tsunoda, but they don’t seem to exist when he’s assessing the young Kiwi.
Horner and Marko agree about promoting Lawson, whereas their feelings towards Tsunoda seem to change regularly.
He’s significantly improved throughout 2024 and saw off the threat of Daniel Ricciardo who had been brought back to the team to keep the pressure up on Perez.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links
Tsunoda’s connection to Red Bull comes through Honda who supply the team’s power units.
That situation will change at the end of 2025 when Honda become Aston Martin’s exclusive engine supplier and Red Bull begin to develop their own engines.
Where this leaves Tsunoda is yet to be seen and Red Bull may not want to promote a driver who has allegiances to a power unit manufacturer moving elsewhere.
