Yuki Tsunoda debuted in Formula 1 in 2021 with the then-named AlphaTauri, and is now in his fourth season with the same squad retitled RB. Tsunoda’s ambitions beyond the current campaign have yet to be determined, boss Laurent Mekies has commended him for taking “big steps” in 2024.
The 24-year-old Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda is assessing his future in the sport, as Honda is willing to back him up as they have done from the early stages of Tsunoda’s racing journey.
Honda’s planned alliance with Aston Martin sparked speculation that Yuki Tsunoda could join the Silverstone-based team. The Japanese driver, on the other hand, believes that just because Honda comes from his own country does not guarantee him a seat.
Tsunoda remarked, “In the end, we need an available seat for Aston Martin if they’re keen to support me from 2026 onwards, which means a high chance that they want me to be in the Aston Martin, but we need a seat to be available, otherwise there’s no chance.”
With an extended contract, the two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso will remain at Aston Martin until 2026. Tsunoda getting a seat at Aston Martin remains bleak, but Honda is willing to support him even if he is willing to stay with Red Bull.
Honda CEO Koji Watanabe hopes to keep their eyes on Yuki Tsunoda
Honda CEO Koji Watanabe recently stated that the engine manufacturer intends to “keep an eye” on Tsunoda even after they go from Red Bull to Aston Martin. The 24-year-old graduated from Honda Racing School in 2016 and has since earned the company’s assistance on his path to Formula 1.
With the minimal prospect of a seat becoming available at Aston Martin in 2025 following Fernando Alonso’s recent contract renewal, Tsunoda concedes that his ability to continue working with Honda in the future will most likely be determined by a vacancy occurring in the squad in 2026.
Koji Watanabe had earlier told Tsunoda to focus on his racing as they are always going to be there to support him, and it wouldn’t be necessary for him to be Aston Martin in 2026, as he is a Honda-trained driver and one of the best from the lot, “Although it would be great if they [Tsunoda and Honda] were with the same team.”
Yuki Tsunoda on potentially moving to Aston Martin in 2026 with Honda
“In the end, we need an available seat for Aston Martin if they’re keen to support me from 2026 onwards, which means a high chance that they want me to be in the Aston Martin, but we need a seat to be… pic.twitter.com/EIfwpZpGFB
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) May 14, 2024
Reflecting on Honda’s words of encouragement for him, Tsunoda remarked, “I was quite pleased to hear what they said. I’ve worked with them since I was very little. I was able to accomplish what they wanted me to do: I became a Formula 1 driver for Honda. I would not be here if it hadn’t been for their help.”
Tsunoda talked about his special relationship with Honda, and how they’ve always supported him from the early stages and helped him to make his dream of being an F1 driver come true. But at the same time, he is aware that the driver market is a whole different story.
An empty seat for Tsunoda at Aston Martin only if Lance Stroll leaves
Many F1 analysts believe Lance Stroll’s performances over the last two years do not justify his continuing presence on the grid. His reputation has suffered, and the Formula 1 fraternity has written him off.
That being said, Lawrence Stroll owns Aston Martin, and his son Lance is the favorite to fill at least one spot on the squad. The Canadian business mogul is sure that his vision for the team includes nothing less than championship victory, and “Lance is the best guy for the job.”
Furthermore, Stroll enjoys the support of his teammate Fernando Alonso, who has lauded the Canadian driver several times. Still, the 2026 season and Honda’s entry remain a long way off. A lot may happen during this time, and Tsunoda can rely on Honda’s continuing backing to help him continue his promising F1 career.