Honda has signalled its preference for Yuki Tsunoda to transition to Aston Martin.
The Japanese driver's career path was already uncertain, with his sponsor Honda set to part ways with Red Bull at year's end to become Aston Martin's official engine supplier under the 2026 rules.
Tsunoda appears poised to step into Liam Lawson's shoes at Red Bull Racing from Suzuka onward, but F1 reporter Erik van Haren questions his longevity there. "That seems very, very doubtful in advance," the De Telegraaf writer remarked. "Especially because of Red Bull's doubts about him as a driver have been there for years, also at the end of the last year."
Germany's Bild newspaper reports that Honda is ready to boost its financial support for Tsunoda—currently at 10 million euros annually—to lock in his upcoming Red Bull Racing chance.
However, Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe cautions that this Red Bull-specific backing for Tsunoda will cease by late 2025.
"Honda has a sponsorship contract with Tsunoda," Watanabe told as-web.jp. "We have not given up on him and are actively involved."
He clarified that driver-related discussions with Red Bull will wrap up this year. "Yes, that will no longer be the case," said Watanabe. "Regarding the seat from 2026 onwards, the team we can discuss with is Aston Martin, not Red Bull.
"If Tsunoda wants to remain with Red Bull, Honda cannot support him beyond 2025. If he wants to come to Aston Martin, and if a story can be made that objectively supports Tsunoda going to Aston Martin, Honda would also like to support him."
The catch for Tsunoda is that Aston Martin's current lineup—Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll—is already secured for 2026. "Yes, as far as I know, 2026 is fixed," Watanabe said.
"However, I hope that in the future, a driver trained by Honda will drive for Aston Martin."
