Yuki Tsunoda will stay with the RB Formula 1 team for the 2025 season. With Sergio Perez secured at Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen, Tsunoda’s hopes of a promotion were dashed, but his place at RB was solidified.
The Anglo-Italian team has decided to retain the Japanese driver, a long-time Red Bull junior and Honda protege, for what will be his fifth year since his F1 debut in 2021. “I’m very happy to be staying with RB and it’s a good feeling to have my future decided so early in the year,” said the 24-year-old Tsunoda. “For that, I want to thank everyone at Red Bull and Honda who have played such an important role in my career and will continue to do so. It’s great to know that everyone appreciates all the hard work I have put in and that the team believes I can help it move further up the grid. We have already made clear progress this season and that really motivates me to always give my best.”
Tsunoda has been one of the standout drivers in 2024, showing a maturity and steady performance that complements his natural speed. So far, he has scored 19 points, placing him 10th in the drivers’ championship and significantly contributing to RB holding the sixth position in the constructors’ standings.
Team boss Laurent Mekies remarked, “I watched Yuki’s progress in Formula 1 with interest even before I returned to Faenza and it’s been impressive, year after year.” He added, “The step up he has made this year is simply phenomenal, and he keeps surprising us all, race after race. There’s no doubting his natural speed to which he has now added a much more mature approach and this combination makes him a very quick and consistent performer, and a great team player.”
While Daniel Ricciardo’s future with the team remains uncertain, and with reserve driver Liam Lawson waiting in the wings, retaining Tsunoda was a straightforward decision for the team.
Team CEO Peter Bayer also praised Tsunoda, saying, “Yuki is a graduate of both the Red Bull and Honda junior driver programmes and it’s thanks to a good job from all parties that he’s been able to reach his current level of performance. He is a valuable asset on and off the race track, as his engaging nature has made him very popular with fans around the world. We are excited that he is staying with us.”
Yuki Tsunoda’s continued presence with RB into the 2025 season showcases the team’s confidence in his abilities and contributions. As he gears up for his fifth season, fans and team members alike look forward to seeing his career further unfold.
Source: Motorsport
