Yuki Tsunoda’s Historic Move to Red Bull Racing

Hundreds of Formula 1 enthusiasts gathered at the iconic Aoyama building in Tokyo, a stone’s throw away from the Olympic Stadium that hosted the 2021 summer games. This elegant white high-rise, set for closure and redevelopment by 2030, marked not only the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter for Honda Motor Company.

Yuki Tsunoda’s Promotion to Red Bull Racing

The closing ceremony celebrated more than just the building’s rich history; it was also a celebration for Honda’s favorite son, Yuki Tsunoda. Just days earlier, the 24-year-old had been announced as a Red Bull driver for the remainder of 2025, replacing the underperforming Liam Lawson.

For Tsunoda, this move seemed like an impossible dream, given Honda’s partnership with Red Bull was set to end in 2026. But against all odds, he will make his Red Bull debut at next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, driving the RB21 for the first time ever in front of passionate Japanese fans and watchful Honda executives.

Tsunoda’s Journey to Red Bull Racing

Despite four years of consistent progression, Tsunoda struggled to shake off a reputation forged during his rookie year – one of being too hot-headed and incapable of developing the car through precise technical feedback. This reputation appeared hard to shake off, even internally at Red Bull.

However, members of AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) have showered praise on Tsunoda’s maturity into a team leader. Despite being overlooked year after year, Tsunoda remained resilient and finally gets his wish in extraordinary circumstances, at Honda’s home circuit in Suzuka.

Preparing for the Debut

Tsunoda admitted that his move ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix initially felt “unreal,” but he soon got down to business at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes factory. He took the seat fitting seriously and is determined to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Despite the challenges ahead, Tsunoda’s ambition remains unchanged – to become the first Japanese driver to finish on the Japanese Grand Prix podium since Kamui Kobayashi in 2012. He aims to enjoy the experience while tackling the learning curve and repaying Honda for many years of support.

The Pressure and Excitement Ahead

For Tsunoda, next week’s Red Bull debut is the culmination of a life-long dream, one that many feel could yet turn into a nightmare if he also struggles to get a tune out of the car like others before him. But with his long-term F1 future uncertain, Tsunoda wouldn’t want it any other way.

If Red Bull’s switch hadn’t materialised, Tsunoda’s lost Red Bull dream would have haunted him forever. Now, he faces the extreme pressure and an opportunity as big as this, making next week’s race incredibly thrilling for both Tsunoda and his fans.