2 weeks Ago By Lydia Mee
Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda is set to drive the Red Bull RB20 during the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi test, as confirmed by Red Bull's team principal Christian Horner. This opportunity is a huge step for Tsunoda, who has been pushing for a potential seat with Red Bull come the 2025 season. The test follows persistent efforts by Tsunoda and significant backing from Honda.
Since his Formula One debut in 2021, Tsunoda has gradually improved his performance, earning him attention and support from key allies within the sport. Honda has been a constant supporter, with Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, championing Tsunoda’s career advancement. Red Bull Racing is known for nurturing young talent through its junior team, a tradition that has helped launch the careers of several top drivers.
Team Principal Christian Horner confirmed Tsunoda’s upcoming test to the media : “Yuki is a member of the junior team, and it's something that we have discussed with Honda," Horner explained. "He will test the car at the tire test following the conclusion of the season, and it's something that has been agreed for quite some time. "It will again be good to give him a run, and get the opportunity to work with Red Bull Racing engineers and see how he performs in a Red Bull Racing car.
" Speculation has gained momentum regarding Sergio Perez's status with Red Bull, with both Tsunoda and Liam Lawson reportedly being considered as possible future replacements. Yet, Horner reassured that Perez remains contracted through the 2025 season. "As I mentioned earlier, Checo has a contract for next year, so he's currently our driver for 2025.
"Obviously there is a seat available at VCARB, but they're all Red Bull Racing drivers that are on loan. "We have the benefit of time to sit down with Laurent [Mekies, RB team principal] and Peter [Bayer, RB CEO] and look at all the options." Sergio Perez acknowledged facing a challenging stint despite a strong start to the season.
The Mexican driver commented ahead of his home race : "I know I've had a terrible season, a very difficult one. "It started really well but it's been really, really difficult. If I get a strong result [this weekend] it can definitely change my season massively in terms of personal feeling.
So I'm really up for it. "Momentum in Formula 1 is very important, you just put the car on track and you know everything is working and you are so further ahead of the people who put the car on track and have a lot of problems," said Perez, who has won six grands prix in his 13-year career. "I think it's the same for everyone.
But I also know how this sport works and it's all about your last race. "I got a good one in Baku but it didn't work out. If I get a good one here then my season here can definitely take a U-turn.
The most important [thing] is we are able to feel comfortable with the car...
at the moment we are just not able to unlock the full potential of the car. "We come to the weekends trying a lot of things every weekend and so it makes the whole grand prix a lot more difficult.".
