The RB Formula 1 team has announced that it has taken up an option to extend its partnership with Yuki Tsunoda into the 2025 season.
Tsunoda has emerged as a standout driver during his fourth term with the Faenza-based squad and has outshone his more experienced team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
The Japanese racer has capitalised on RB’s continuous improvement to record five points finishes in the opening eight races to reside 10th in the Drivers’ Championship.
But while he was overlooked for a promotion to the parent team as Sergio Perez has signed a contract renewal, Tsunoda will remain inside the Red Bull stable with RB.
“I’m very happy to be staying with Visa Cash App RB and it’s a good feeling to have my future decided so early in the year,” Tsunoda said.
“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.
“The team has a big development project ahead and I’m excited to be part of it.
“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 of my best and that’s what I’ll continue to do with VCARB.
“For the moment, I’m concentrating on the remaining races this season, with the aim of bringing home as many points as possible, always growing with the team, laying the groundwork to do even better next year!”
RB Team Principal Laurent Mekies hailed Tsunoda’s progress this season as “phenomenal” and believes both the side and driver are aligned on the same ambitions.
“I watched Yuki’s progress in Formula 1 with interest even before I returned to Faenza and it’s been impressive, year after year,” Mekies expressed.
“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. We continue to get a better understanding of what he needs from us and vice versa, so we are progressing together, Yuki as a driver and the team, as Visa Cash App RB.
“We share the same ambitions, so there are several good reasons to continue our journey together. He still has a lot to give!”
RB’s choice to retain Tsunoda is set to leave Red Bull with a decision on whether to keep Ricciardo or to hand reserve driver Liam Lawson a promotion to a full-time race drive.
RB CEO Peter Bayer added: “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. As the saying goes, ‘never change a winning team’, so we are delighted to confirm Yuki as part of our future.
“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.”
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