Tsunoda's F1 Future: Is Aston Martin Still a Possibility Amid Red Bull Uncertainty?

Yuki Tsunoda faces an uncertain future in Formula 1, with his options for 2026 becoming increasingly complex. While a move to Red Bull Racing appears unlikely, his position within the wider Red Bull family, particularly with Racing Bulls, remains a strong possibility, despite external speculation regarding Aston Martin.

Why it matters:

Yuki Tsunoda's career trajectory is at a critical juncture. As Honda's favored protégé, his placement for 2026 carries significant implications for both his personal future and Honda's strategic alliances, especially with their upcoming partnership with Aston Martin. The outcome will also reflect on Red Bull's driver development philosophy and how they manage their talent pool, which is crucial for the sport's competitive landscape.

The Details:

• Red Bull Racing Out of Contention: A second year at Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen now seems off the table, with Isack Hadjar emerging as the leading candidate for that coveted seat in 2026.
• Racing Bulls in Play: A return to Racing Bulls, once considered improbable, is now a serious possibility. Decision-makers within the Red Bull teams are reportedly weighing Tsunoda against Liam Lawson, or even considering running both full-time in 2026, with Arvid Lindblad as the reserve driver. Lindblad's impressive FP1 performance in Mexico City has added another layer of complexity to these considerations.
• Aston Martin's Third Driver: Aston Martin recently announced Jak Crawford as their third driver for 2026. He will be present at every Grand Prix weekend.
• Honda's Preference: It's an open secret that Honda desires to see Tsunoda at Aston Martin, their future engine partner.
• Aston Martin's Driver Strategy: While Crawford has been named, Aston Martin has not explicitly stated that their 2026 driver lineup will be limited to just Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, and Crawford. The team has a history of employing multiple test and reserve drivers, with Felipe Drugovich and Stoffel Vandoorne filling these roles this season. Drugovich is moving to Formula E, leaving a potential opening.

Between the lines:

Despite the announcement of Jak Crawford, the wording from Aston Martin leaves a subtle opening. The team has not shut the door entirely on adding more drivers to their wider roster. This ambiguity, coupled with Honda's clear preference, suggests that a reserve or development driver role for Tsunoda at Aston Martin cannot be entirely ruled out, especially if a full-time Red Bull family seat doesn't materialize. It’s a strategic play for Honda to keep their key driver aligned with their future F1 program.

What's next:

The coming months will be crucial for Tsunoda as the driver market for 2026 begins to solidify. His performance in the current season, combined with the ongoing evaluations within the Red Bull camp, will ultimately determine his path. The potential for a multi-driver reserve team at Aston Martin also adds an intriguing element to the F1 silly season.