Honda May Provide Financial Support for Tsunoda to Race at Red Bull
A Major Shake-Up in Red Bull Driver Lineup?
In a stunning turn of events, Red Bull’s management appears to be on the verge of making a significant mid-season driver change following a crucial meeting in Dubai earlier this week.
According to reliable Dutch media reports, Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda is set to replace Sergio Pérez and become Max Verstappen’s new teammate, beginning with the Japanese Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson is expected to return to Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri).
The driving force behind this sudden shake-up? Honda’s financial backing.
Reports from De Limburger and other reputable sources claim that Red Bull’s engine supplier, Honda, has stepped in with a lucrative offer to help secure Tsunoda’s promotion to the main Red Bull team.
Honda’s Multi-Million Euro Offer
Honda has long been a key supporter of Tsunoda’s F1 career, backing him financially since his debut with AlphaTauri in 2021. However, their latest move could be the most significant yet.
🔹 Honda was previously paying 10 million euros annually to support Tsunoda’s seat at Racing Bulls.
🔹 If he moves to Red Bull, Honda is reportedly ready to double that amount to 20 million euros per season.
Initially, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner had rejected this proposal, but now, sources suggest the deal is close to being finalized.
“Red Bull executives reached out to Honda to ask how much they were willing to pay for Tsunoda’s move to Red Bull. The response indicated that they were prepared to make a multi-million euro payment.” – De Telegraaf
With financial backing of this scale, it seems that Red Bull’s management is now seriously considering the move—one that could dramatically alter the team’s dynamics for the rest of the season.
Why Is Red Bull Making This Move Now?
At first glance, replacing a driver mid-season might seem drastic, but there are several factors at play:
1️⃣ Honda’s Long-Term Commitment to Red Bull
Honda remains a crucial technical partner for Red Bull, supplying power units until 2025. Strengthening their ties with the team through Tsunoda’s promotion could solidify their influence as F1 prepares for the new engine regulations in 2026.
2️⃣ Sergio Pérez’s Inconsistency
While Sergio Pérez started the season strong, his recent performances have been inconsistent compared to Verstappen’s dominance. If Red Bull wants to maximize points in the Constructors’ Championship, they need a stronger second driver who can consistently finish on the podium.
3️⃣ Tsunoda’s Impressive Progress
Tsunoda has shown significant improvement in recent seasons, displaying better racecraft, maturity, and consistency. He has outperformed his teammates at Racing Bulls and has built a reputation as an aggressive but controlled racer—qualities that Red Bull values.
What This Means for Liam Lawson
The other major part of this equation is Liam Lawson.
With Tsunoda moving up, the New Zealand driver is set to return to Racing Bulls. Lawson made a strong impression in his 2023 F1 outings, standing in for Daniel Ricciardo and scoring points in just his third race.
Despite not having a full-time seat this season, his performances convinced Red Bull that he deserves a permanent place on the grid.
“Lawson has proven himself at the highest level. If Tsunoda moves up, it’s only natural for him to step in at Racing Bulls.” – Canal+
While Lawson’s long-term future remains unclear, this move ensures he gains valuable race experience, keeping him in contention for a potential Red Bull seat in 2026 when the team’s Honda partnership officially ends.
When Will This Change Happen?
If the reports are accurate, Yuki Tsunoda will be driving the Red Bull RB21 at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6.
This would mark a homecoming debut for Tsunoda in a Red Bull car, giving Honda a perfect marketing opportunity in front of their home crowd at Suzuka.
🔹 Key Dates to Watch:
📅 April 6 – Japanese Grand Prix (potential debut for Tsunoda at Red Bull)
📅 Mid-April – Official announcement from Red Bull?
📅 2025 Season – Full-time confirmation for Tsunoda & Lawson’s role at Racing Bulls
Red Bull has yet to officially confirm the move, but multiple sources suggest the decision is imminent.
Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer for Red Bull & Honda
If this move goes through, it would be one of the biggest mid-season shake-ups in recent Red Bull history.
✅ Honda secures a Japanese driver in a top team
✅ Red Bull strengthens ties with their engine partner
✅ Tsunoda gets a long-awaited chance to prove himself at the highest level
✅ Lawson returns to the F1 grid, keeping his future alive
This could also signal a major shift in Red Bull’s driver philosophy—one that moves away from relying on experienced veterans like Pérez and instead focuses on developing young talent from within their own system.
Is this the right move for Red Bull? Will Tsunoda thrive alongside Verstappen?
The answers will come soon enough, but one thing is certain: Formula 1’s driver market just got a lot more interesting.
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