Red Bull Secures Yuki Tsunoda for the Next Four Seasons

After a stellar performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing has made a bold move by securing Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda for the next four seasons. This decision comes at the expense of Liam Lawson, who underperformed in his second outing with the Milton Keynes-based team.

The Rationale Behind Red Bull’s Decision

In an interview with Formel1.de, Helmut Marko, Red Bull advisor, stated that Tsunoda will finish the season. This decision was made due to Tsunoda’s impressive performance in the Melbourne and Shanghai rounds, despite a few strategy mistakes.

Despite initial reservations, Red Bull recognized Tsunoda’s potential for growth. His transformation, which includes a change in management, has made him a stronger candidate. Even in unfamiliar tracks like China, Tsunoda managed to keep pace with his teammates.

The Future of Red Bull’s Second Car

The decision to promote Tsunoda could lead to further speculation about the remainder of the season. However, Marko made it clear that Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar is not next in line if Tsunoda fails to meet expectations.

Tsunoda’s future at Red Bull Racing seems secure, barring any unforeseen circumstances. His experience and stability are crucial factors in his favor. Despite a few ups and downs, Tsunoda has proven himself to be the right man for Red Bull Racing.

The Role of Honda in the Driver Swap

Contrary to speculation, Honda’s support was not a decisive factor in the driver swap. Although Japan is the next race, it was merely a coincidence. Honda is happy with the decision, but their involvement ends at the end of this year anyway.

There were no significant financial contributions from Honda towards the deal. The decision was based on Tsunoda’s performance and potential for growth.

The Challenge Ahead for Yuki Tsunoda

Red Bull has given Tsunoda no immediate threat, but he must maintain his performance to justify his position. His predecessor, Liam Lawson, struggled to qualify in the 20th position twice. This is a challenging benchmark that Tsunoda must overcome.