Following a U-turn on its F1 future, Honda signed with Aston Martin to turn into the Silverstone crew’s engine associate for F1’s all-new energy unit laws in 2026.
That signifies that, because it stands, Honda will now not be powering the vehicles pushed by its long-time protege Tsunoda, who rose by means of the ranks of its Honda Dream venture to land a seat with AlphaTauri, now RB.
Talking completely to Autosport, Honda Racing Company CEO Koji Watanabe stated the corporate is eager to “hold a detailed eye” on Tsunoda and hopes he shall be promoted to Purple Bull, even when Honda is now not on board.
“I feel it is a very lovely story that Tsunoda would first play an energetic position at RB after which be promoted to Purple Bull,” Watanabe stated.
“Even when it is after we’re gone, we wish to hold a detailed eye on him rising to the highest groups.
“Tsunoda has graduated from the Honda Racing faculty, in order that’s why from the HRC perspective it’s our dream that HRC college students can turn into high drivers.
“So, it’s actually essential that Yuki turns into a high driver in System 1.”
Yuki Tsunoda, RB F1 Group VCARB 01
Picture by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
When requested if it will be awkward to stay on board as a private sponsor of Tsunoda even when he drives for a special engine producer, Watanabe replied:
“That’s not essentially troublesome. We have now to resolve about this and now we have to see what the scenario is then. However we will assist Yuki to turn into a high driver, sure.”
A seemingly distant choice is for Tsunoda to maneuver with Honda to Aston Martin. The squad has just lately re-signed Fernando Alonso to a recent contract till 2026, however there is no such thing as a indication of team-mate Lance Stroll leaving the crew.
“We nonetheless do not know what Aston Martin’s line-up shall be like,” Watanabe weighed in. “Alonso has been confirmed, however I’ve not but heard that Stroll has been confirmed.
“I do not suppose there’s a zero likelihood of that taking place, so I feel there’s a chance of that taking place at this level.”
When requested if a Honda may discipline the 23-year-old at a buyer crew sooner or later, he stated: “There could also be different potentialities sooner or later, however proper now we have no different plans. At this level, we aren’t but on the stage the place we’re increasing our buyer crew.”
Now in his fourth F1 season, Tsunoda has impressed by single-handedly serving to RB maintain sixth-place in a decent midfield battle with seven factors scored.
However there seems little momentum behind the Japanese driver being thought of for promotion to Purple Bull’s foremost crew.
Further reporting by Ken Tanaka and Ronald Vording