Yuki Tsunoda has performed very well this year, scoring 68% of VCARB’s points in 2024. For many, the Japanese driver deserved a chance at Red Bull, given his impressive pace and progression in the last eighteen months. That said, with Christian Horner unconvinced, Tsunoda was forced to settle with a one-year extension at VCARB.
However, Red Bull’s decision to keep the 23-year-old also served to intercept the interest emerging elsewhere.
Over the past few months, Tsunoda’s market value has steadily risen. As a young driver showing great speed and consistency, Tsunoda is understandably in demand across the grid.
Red Bull is aware of this, which influenced their decision to offer him a contract extension. As confirmed by Swiss outlet Blick, the VCARB driver’s talks with Sauber led to Christian Horner activating the team’s option on Tsunoda’s contract.
To be clear, the youngster was always expected to stay at the Faenza-based team. While staying at a B-team is not ideal, the alternatives available were either sideways or backwards steps.
Still, the demand for Tsunoda’s services is certainly worth noting. It will also be an important theme to track in 2025 and 2026, as Red Bull struggles to have any clarity or coherence on their driver selection.
SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JUNE 27: Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and Visa Cash App RB attends the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2024 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202406270500 // Usage for editorial use only //
Audi among those interested in Tsunoda
With Carlos Sainz uncertain about committing to the German manufacturer, Andreas Seidl’s team have spoken with other drivers. Before Tsunoda’s latest contract was announced, he was one of those on Sauber’s radar.
As the Hinwil-based team embarks on a transitory phase, there is a lot of potential for 2026 and beyond. Although Audi are expected to take several years to catch up to other manufacturers, some drivers might take a chance on this project.
Of course, Tsunoda became unavailable for 2025 as Red Bull exercised their option. However, there will undoubtedly be more market shuffles next year.
This does not suggest the Japanese driver is destined for a seat with the German manufacturer. However, it points to the dilemma that Red Bull faces if they want to keep the youngster.
It is not unheard of for the Milton Keynes team to lose drivers after failing to meet their demands. Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly left Red Bull because of similar reasons.
Over the next few months, the reigning Champions must make a decision between Liam Lawson and Daniel Ricciardo. This is without even mentioning the likes of Isak Hadjar or Ayumu Iwasa.
In twelve months, Red Bull could encounter another difficult choice with Yuki Tsunoda. The interest in his services will almost certainly persist. If a promotion to the main team is unattainable, Tsunoda will be forced to concede the Austrian team is a dead end.
