Jul.18 (GMM) Honda wouldn’t cease Yuki Tsunoda from racing for a non-Honda affiliated Components 1 group subsequent yr.
Particularly with out Honda’s backing and sponsorship at Purple Bull in 2026 and past, it appears more and more doubtless that the struggling Japanese driver will likely be retained by the power drink model subsequent yr.
His backer, Honda, is switching its works help to Aston Martin, whose cockpits for 2026 are already stuffed by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.
Tsunoda has been linked with the reserve position at Aston Martin, however Honda Racing Company president Koji Watanabe thinks there’s a probability he’ll keep at Purple Bull.
“There aren’t any discussions a couple of change,” he instructed the specialist Japanese supply as-web.jp.
Like Liam Lawson and Sergio Perez, Tsunoda has notably struggled to get anyplace near the tempo and outcomes of Max Verstappen this season.
“Wanting on the outcomes from the skin, my sincere impression is that they’re struggling greater than we anticipated,” Watanabe admitted.
“Nonetheless, after holding involved with Yuki and listening to him, it appears that he’s taking a extra constructive view than we thought. If the automotive’s combating energy might be improved they usually can seize the chance, I imagine they’ll nonetheless do nicely.
“To that finish, we at HRC will proceed to supply them with our full help going ahead as at all times.”
Honda’s help of Purple Bull, although, will fully finish after the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Some suppose Purple Bull might pre-empt this by changing Tsunoda with Isack Hadjar in the course of the forthcoming August break.
“To begin with, there was no dialogue about altering in the course of the summer time break,” Watanabe insisted.
“What we’re listening to is that simply because his efficiency is a little bit poor, they won’t begin discussions about altering instantly, however will take a long-term view. I do know there are numerous rumours, however I confirmed with the group that principally Yuki will race for Purple Bull till the tip of this season.
“And if he can obtain outcomes someplace within the second half of the season, I feel that can increase his prospects for the longer term.”
If Purple Bull does drop 25-year-old Tsunoda, and isn’t moved on to Honda-powered Aston Martin, he’s already being linked with a possible transfer to Cadillac.
When requested if the thought of Tsunoda driving a Ferrari-powered Cadillac is a priority for Honda, Watanabe insisted: “No, it’s not.”
One other hearsay hyperlinks Tsunoda with Haas, who’re growing an rising relationship with Honda’s arch Japanese competitor Toyota.
When requested if that is likely to be an issue for Honda, Watanabe answered: “There’s no downside. It’s not Crew Toyota.”
