Tsunoda's Red Bull promotion: A potential turning point in his F1 career

Dominika Jordan
Apr 2, 2025, 01:35 PM ET

SUZUKA, Japan -- Yuki Tsunoda’s journey to a Red Bull Racing seat has been a rollercoaster. Once overlooked, his promotion ahead of the Suzuka Grand Prix marks a defining moment in his Formula 1 career.

The Chinese Grand Prix's aftermath saw Tsunoda replace Liam Lawson at Red Bull, a move that seemed implausible a few months ago. Now faced with the challenge of driving Red Bull's RB21, Tsunoda's performance will shape his future.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko explained the decision: "Yuki Tsunoda is a fast driver, we know that, but he's had his ups and downs. That's why we thought Lawson was the better and stronger candidate. But Yuki has undergone a transformation. He changed his management, and in this situation, this was simply the best option."

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, echoed these sentiments last year when he questioned Tsunoda's long-term potential: "You can't have a driver in the support team for five years. You've either got to let them go or look at something different."

Complicating the situation further, Honda’s recent actions indicate a renewed commitment to Tsunoda. Initially, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe seemed to be nudging Tsunoda towards independence, but circumstances have rapidly evolved. Reports suggest Honda offered a substantial financial incentive to secure Tsunoda’s place at Red Bull.

A critical factor appears to be Tsunoda’s new management under Mexican agent Diego Menchaca, replacing Mario Miyakawa and Luis Alvarez. This shift in representation has possibly altered Red Bull's perception of Tsunoda’s readiness.

Despite the challenges, including no pre-season testing and only entering the series a few races into the season, Tsunoda remains optimistic. He acknowledged to BBC Radio 5 Live: "Red Bull Racing are focused on Max [Verstappen] scoring a drivers' championship... [Horner] wants me to be as close to Max as possible. In some races, I can help with the strategy, but he also promised me that if I'm able to be in front of Max, he wouldn't necessarily ask me to swap positions."

Tsunoda’s path forward isn't just about his immediate success; it’s also about preserving the goodwill he has earned. Multiple teams, including Haas and Cadillac’s upcoming F1 team, have shown interest in Tsunoda, indicating his talent is recognized beyond Red Bull.

Ultimately, this promotion is both an opportunity and a risk. It is Tsunoda’s chance to prove his worth at the highest level, an opportunity he must seize despite the odds. The nature of F1 leaves little room for error, but Tsunoda’s determination could turn this gamble into a success.