Red Bull Racing has indicated that Yuki Tsunoda may soon receive his long-awaited opportunity to test for the main team after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Reports emerged during the Austin Grand Prix weekend that Honda, the Japanese manufacturer closely linked with Red Bull and its sister team AlphaTauri, has been pushing hard for Tsunoda to be given a run in a Red Bull car. Until now, Tsunoda has only raced and tested with AlphaTauri, with his experience in Red Bull machinery limited to demonstration events.
Helmut Marko, the motorsport advisor for Red Bull, has hinted at the possibility of Tsunoda's test during a conversation with Motorsport.com. When asked if the team would consider Honda's request for a Tsunoda test, Marko responded: "We have some plans for Abu Dhabi, yes. But we have various drivers, you know. We have [Isack] Hadjar, for example, and now we have Liam [Lawson]." While the specifics of these plans remain unclear, many speculate that Tsunoda may have a chance to drive the Red Bull RB20 during the post-season tire test.
This crucial tire test is scheduled for the Tuesday following the season finale, and teams are required to run two cars during this session. If current drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez opt to skip the test, it opens the door for Tsunoda to step into the RB20, while Liam Lawson could drive for Red Bull. Additionally, the team might evaluate young talent like Hadjar, Honda junior Ayumu Iwasa, or simulator driver Jake Dennis, who previously participated in a practice session last year.
The final decision will likely hinge on Red Bull's assessment of its current drivers, particularly Sergio Perez, as the team evaluates who should step up to the main squad next season. Lawson, currently filling in for the injured Daniel Ricciardo, has impressed in his outings, notably coming from the back of the grid in Austin to finish ninth. Marko praised Lawson's performance, stating, "Perfect! It was already when he was P3 in Q1, then they made their tactical games [to not set a competitive time in Q2]. To go from P19 to P9, with all his lap times, and also his overtaking with [Fernando] Alonso... he showed that he has the speed."
Koji Watanabe, the president of Honda’s racing division, HRC, has been vocal about the need to provide Tsunoda with an opportunity to drive a Red Bull car. He expressed, "We believe he has the talent. Of course, driver decisions are ultimately up to the team, but as a partner, we’ve strongly requested that Tsunoda be given the chance to drive and test in a Red Bull car. We want to at least give him the opportunity to showcase his ability." He added that he has discussed this matter directly with Christian Horner, the team principal, who has not ruled out the possibility, although nothing has been officially decided yet.
As the F1 season progresses toward its conclusion, all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi and the subsequent tire test, which could mark a pivotal moment in Tsunoda’s career and his potential future with Red Bull Racing.
