Red Bull Teases Potential Tsunoda F1 Test with Main Team After Abu Dhabi

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As the 2024 Formula 1 season reaches its final stages, Red Bull is hinting that Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda may finally get his long-awaited test with the main Red Bull Racing team, thanks in part to the urging of Red Bull’s engine partner, Honda. This opportunity would mark a significant step up for Tsunoda, who has until now only driven and raced for Red Bull’s junior team, AlphaTauri.

Honda’s Push for Tsunoda’s Red Bull Test

The possibility of Tsunoda testing with Red Bull after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was recently confirmed by Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, who acknowledged that Red Bull is considering Honda’s request to provide Tsunoda a chance to drive for the main team.

During the Austin Grand Prix weekend, Marko told Motorsport.com in an interview:

“We have some plans for Abu Dhabi, yes. But we have various drivers, you know. We have [Isack] Hadjar, for example, and now we have Liam [Lawson].”

Although Marko didn’t confirm specifics, the likely scenario would be for Tsunoda to participate in the post-season tyre test, which takes place the Tuesday after the Abu Dhabi finale. Teams are required to run two cars in this test: one for tyre testing with a licensed F1 driver and another for young drivers with limited race experience. If Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez choose not to participate, Tsunoda could step into Red Bull’s RB20 with the option of having Lawson or another young driver like Hadjar in the second car.

Honda’s Confidence in Tsunoda’s Talent

Honda, which has strongly advocated for Tsunoda’s career, is eager for him to showcase his abilities in a competitive Red Bull car. Koji Watanabe, president of Honda’s racing division (HRC), expressed this desire, stating:

“We believe he has the talent. Of course, driver decisions are ultimately up to the team, but as a partner, we’ve strongly requested that Tsunoda be given the chance to drive and test in a Red Bull car.”

Watanabe shared that Honda has actively communicated with Red Bull about this request, noting that he personally discussed the opportunity with Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner. Watanabe added, “

He hasn’t ruled it out. Nothing has been decided yet, but I think we need to proceed properly.”

Lawson’s Impressive Austin Performance Raises the Stakes

While Tsunoda awaits his chance, New Zealand driver Liam Lawson’s strong showing at the United States Grand Prix has intensified Red Bull’s driver evaluation process. Lawson, filling in for Daniel Ricciardo, turned heads in Austin by moving from 19th to 9th in the race, after a strategic grid penalty placed him at the back. Helmut Marko praised Lawson’s adaptability and speed, calling his weekend “perfect,” and highlighting his aggressive yet calculated racing style, especially in his duel with Fernando Alonso.

Marko’s high praise of Lawson underscores that Red Bull’s final decision may hinge on who steps up most impressively among Tsunoda, Lawson, and other young prospects, such as Hadjar and simulator driver Jake Dennis, all competing for potential Red Bull Racing opportunities.

With Tsunoda facing one of his most significant moments since joining the Red Bull program, the upcoming Abu Dhabi test may serve as the ultimate proving ground for him to demonstrate whether he can compete alongside Red Bull’s top talent.