Honda has indicated it would not block a potential Yuki Tsunoda move to Haas, despite the team’s partnership in Formula 1 with rival Japanese manufacturer Toyota.
Tsunoda’s woes since stepping up to Red Bull three races into 2025 have cast doubt on whether he can be the solution to the team’s perpetual second driver problem.
The Japanese driver has accrued a mere seven points in his 10 weekends with the team to date as he has been unable to get to grips with Red Bull’s capricious RB21.
But while Red Bull has reiterated that Tsunoda will complete the season alongside Max Verstappen, that hasn’t ceased rumours that an earlier change could be made.
However, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) President Koji Watanabe divulged that he has been assured that Tsunoda’s Red Bull spot is not in danger in the short term.
“First of all, there’s no discussion going on saying yes [that he’ll be replaced during the summer break],” Watanabe told Auto Sport Web at Silverstone.
“In the first place, in a discussion with Red Bull in March, we had agreed to transfer Yuki to Red Bull. So we don’t expect him to be replaced in the summer break.
“I am aware that there are various rumours going around, but I confirmed with the team at Silverstone, where the British Grand Prix was held this time, but basically Yuki will be racing for Red Bull until the end of this season.
“I would like to state clearly that this is the case,” he added. “I think this is also a sign of Red Bull’s high expectations for Yuki.”
Red Bull struggles worse than Honda expected
Red Bull’s final campaign with Honda is poised to end without more title success as the team has been unable to provide a consistent rival to McLaren’s leading pace.
Regardless, Watanabe has vowed that the Japanese marque will continue to give Red Bull maximum support as it endeavours to end the collaboration on a high note.
“To be honest, as long as I’m just looking at the results from the outside, I feel like we are struggling more than we expected,” he conceded.
“However, when I keep in touch with Yuki and listen to his various stories, he seems to take it more positively than I expected.
“I think we can continue to do so if the competitiveness of our cars improves and we can seize good opportunities. To that end, we at HRC will continue to fully back up the project.”
Honda backs Tsunoda to prove F1 worth
Tsunoda has been connected with a switch to Aston Martin since the announcement in 2023 that Honda will become the team’s exclusive engine provider from 2026.
Nevertheless, Watanabe has accepted that the onus is on Tsunoda to produce results in the remaining 12 rounds to enhance the chances that he remains on the grid.
“The expectations have not changed, and if he achieves results in the second half of the season, I think that will increase his chances for the future,” he hinted.
When asked whether Haas’ alliance with a direct competitor in Toyota could be a hurdle to a possible deal, Watanabe replied: “No problem. They are not Team Toyota.”
Haas, though, has the experienced Esteban Ocon tied to a multi-term deal along with Ferrari protégé Oliver Bearman, who has impressed in his rookie campaign in F1.
Alongside the Kannapolis-based squad, Alpine was another team rumoured to have had discussions with Tsunoda’s camp in 2024 prior to his extension with Red Bull.
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