Honda insists Yuki Tsunoda remains a 'Honda driver' despite Red Bull reserve role

Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe has reaffirmed that Yuki Tsunoda remains a "Honda driver" and colleague, despite the Japanese driver currently holding a reserve role at Red Bull Racing. This situation creates a unique dynamic as Honda prepares to partner with Aston Martin in 2026 while Tsunoda remains contracted to the Red Bull-Ford camp, leaving his availability for Honda activities in a state of negotiation.

Why it matters:

Tsunoda's status highlights the complexities of the shifting technical partnerships in Formula 1. With Honda moving its factory allegiance to Aston Martin, retaining influence over a driver embedded in a rival team's structure is complicated. The outcome of these talks will define how much access Honda retains to their protege and could signal how manufacturer partnerships handle driver assets in the new regulations era.

The details:

• Contractual Limbo: Watanabe stated that negotiations for Tsunoda's 2026 status are ongoing directly with Red Bull, not with the driver himself. The extent to which Honda can utilize Tsunoda depends entirely on the terms Red Bull proposes for his reserve duties.
• Independent Academy: Honda will not integrate its Formula Dream Project (HFDP) with Aston Martin's existing driver program, unlike the deep collaboration previously held with the Red Bull Junior Team.
• Aston Martin's Path: The Silverstone-based team runs its own distinct program, featuring talents like Mari Boya and reserve driver Jak Crawford.
• Future Pipeline: Honda will continue to develop young drivers, such as French F4 champion Taito Kato, independently up to F2 before recommending them to Aston Martin for potential F1 seats.

What's next:

Honda intends to maintain its own driver nurturing structure, recommending top graduates to Aston Martin only when they are ready for F1. For Tsunoda, the immediate priority is finalizing a reserve driver agreement that satisfies both Red Bull's competitive needs and Honda's desire to keep their long-term development project engaged within the sport.