Yuki Tsunoda is the latest driver to secure their place on the 2025 grid, agreeing to a one-year contract extension with VCARB. The Japanese driver’s continuation at the Faenza-based team was a formality after Perez signed his Red Bull deal. Considering the trajectory Tsunoda has shown this year, some have suggested he should have left the Red Bull setup.
Laurent Mekies, team principal of the Racing Bulls, is not unfamiliar with these observations. The former Ferrari man believes that Tsunoda will inevitably attract the attention of rivals if he keeps this trajectory.
Generally speaking, this is a very sensible assessment. Only a few weeks ago, whispers were emerging about other teams in the midfield looking into the Japanese driver’s availability.
Owing to his commitment to Red Bull and Honda, a move away from VCARB was always unlikely for 2025. However, when next summer arrives, the situation could change.
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – MAY 26: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Visa Cash App RB prepares to drive on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 26, 2024 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202405260484 // Usage for editorial use only //
Laurent Mekies acknowledges Tsunoda’s market value is rising
Speaking to es.motorsport.com, Laurent Mekies discussed the attention Tsunoda could attract in the market:
“He is a Red Bull driver, so you must have the ambition to go there.
“He has it, and he is doing everything possible to show it. He is ambitious – we are too, we put pressure on each other.
“And if next year he takes another step like that, it will be difficult for anyone to ignore.”
Tsunoda is not the only driver that Red Bull could struggle to keep. Liam Lawson is obviously eager to make his F1 debut. Whilst his preference is to stay with the reigning Champions, he will explore alternatives if there is no future for him at Milton Keynes.
Since promoting Max Verstappen in 2018, Christian Horner’s team has shown very limited faith in their young drivers.
Before Lawson eventually got his opportunity last year, the Austrian team elected to sign Nyck de Vries and Daniel Ricciardo first. For the Kiwi to be the third choice after Gasly’s AlphaTauri departure speaks volumes.
In any case, the next eighteen months will likely see another evolution of Red Bull’s driver pool.
