Tsunoda To Aston Martin 'Is Understood To Be Possibility' Says Barretto

Monday, 12 February 2024 at 17:00

According to recent reports, Yuki Tsunoda might be offered a seat on the British team Aston Martin starting in season 2026.

Yuki Tsuonda has been with RB (formerly AlphaTauri) ever since his debut in F1 in 2021. Many doubted his skills at the beginning, but over the course of three years, the Japanese driver made significant progress.

The 23-year-old is the only Japanese driver in F1, and it is in Honda's (his backer's) interest to keep him in the sport. However, according to Barretto, the team principal of RB stated Tsunoda is with the Italy-based team purely on his merits. He wrote on F1's official website:

"Sources say Tsunoda retains the backing of Honda, which includes financial support, for this season, but as Mekies tells me, the Japanese driver is at the team '100%' because of his ability."

In 2023, Tsunoda amassed more points than all of his teammates (there were three) and showed he has what it takes to race in F1. Some of his best performances from the season include the United States Grand Prix as well as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix .

Read also

Alonso Takes Dig At Hamilton For 'Childhood Dream' Claim Amid Move To Ferrari

During the most recent season, the Japanese driver stated that he hoped Red Bull would consider him as one of the potential drivers in case the second seat was empty.

The seat on the team from Milton Keynes might be empty after the end of the 2024 season. Therefore, the upcoming season will be crucial for the 23-year-old.

If Tsunoda managed to beat Daniel Ricciardo, who was believed to be on the top of the list of drivers that could replace Sergio Perez, he might have a decent chance of getting the seat second seat in Red Bull.

However, if there wasn't a place in Red Bull for the Japanese driver, he might possibly find himself a seat in Aston Martin - which enters into key collaboration with Honda starting from the season 2026.

Tsunoda's strong connection to the Japanese car manufacturing brand is obvious, and Honda might have a say when it comes to the choice of Aston Martin's driver lineup. Barretto added:

"It is believed to be a bit too early to know what his chances are of taking an Aston Martin seat in 2026, given the driver market for 2025 is so up in the air, but such a move is understood to be a possibility."