Yuki Tsunoda’s Formula 1 career could be at a turning point as the 2025 season approaches. With Red Bull’s partnership with Honda due to end after 2025, and Jacques Villeneuve predicting that Tsunoda’s days in F1 are numbered, the Japanese driver’s future beyond Honda’s support is uncertain.
A journey powered by Honda
Since his debut in F1, Tsunoda has been synonymous with Honda’s support. The Japanese automaker played a key role in his rise to the Red Bull teams, even offering him opportunities like a first test with Red Bull in Abu Dhabi.
However, with Honda moving to an official partnership with Aston Martin in 2026 and Red Bull developing its own powertrain, Tsunoda’s direct connection with Honda will no longer be a lifeline.
Jacques Villeneuve’s frank prediction
The 1997 F1 champion, Jacques Villeneuve, did not mince his words about Tsunoda’s precarious position.
“Tsunoda will be the first driver off the grid,” Villeneuve told Action Network. “He’s only here because of Honda. At some point it’s going to stop.”
Villeneuve believes that without Honda’s support, Tsunoda will struggle to find a seat, especially given Red Bull overlooked him for promotion in favor of Liam Lawson, who has just 11 Grand Prix starts.
-Tsunoda’s performance in 2024
Despite Villeneuve’s gloomy outlook, Tsunoda demonstrated strong performances in 2024, outperforming teammates Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson in head-to-head race and qualifying metrics. However, his continued presence with the Racing Bulls for a fifth season in 2025 suggests that Red Bull views him more as a reliable mid-pack driver than a potential star.
Limited options for 2026
With Red Bull’s doors seemingly closed for a long-term future, Tsunoda faces an uphill battle to secure a seat elsewhere:
- Aston Martin : Honda’s new partner already has Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll under contract, making a spot unlikely unless Alonso retires or Stroll leaves.
- Cadillac : If the 11th team joins the grid it could be a lifeline, but competition for seats is expected to be fierce, with experienced drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez in the race.
- Other teams: Ferrari, McLaren, Sauber and Williams have long-term commitments with their drivers, leaving few places vacant.
Can Tsunoda survive without Honda?
Tsunoda’s F1 journey has always been linked to Honda’s influence, but the end of their partnership with Red Bull puts his future in jeopardy. To stay in the sport, Tsunoda must deliver remarkable performances in 2025, proving he is more than just a ‘Honda-backed rider’.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko have consistently stressed the importance of delivering results. For Tsunoda, 2025 is a decisive season to show his value to other teams.
What’s next?
If Tsunoda can capitalize on his talent and improve his consistency, he could attract the attention of non-Honda powered teams. However, without significant support or a standout campaign in 2025, the grid could be a much lonelier place for the Japanese star in 2026.
