Yuki Tsunoda has swiftly emerged as a strong contender for a position with Red Bull’s premier team in 2025, overshadowing expectations during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend. The paddock was abuzz with praise for Sergio Perez’s progress throughout the year, yet Tsunoda’s impressive performance against Daniel Ricciardo in Red Bull’s junior team, including a surprising point finish at Suzuka, has cast doubt on Perez’s continuation.
Christian Horner, the team principal, indicated the competitiveness of the seat by noting on Sunday, “It’s his seat to lose.” He further elaborated on the dynamics of the driver market, stating, “The driver market is picking up very early this year but we’re in no hurry. Obviously, there’s a lot of interest in our seat but Checo has priority.”
Sergio Perez, the 34-year-old Mexican driver who was in close competition with Verstappen at the challenging Suzuka circuit, appears unfazed about his future, asserting he is “very relaxed.”
A revelation from Ziggo Sport highlighted Perez’s ambition for a three-year extension, which Robert Doornbos, a former Red Bull driver, found “laughable.” Doornbos shared that Helmut Marko has dismissed such a request, believing that “even with a two-year deal, he’ll sit back and give up again.”
Post-race, Perez reflected positively on his career trajectory, saying, “Whatever comes next, I’m happy with what I am showing in this sport so far. It’s clear that the driver market is moving now and I think a lot is going to happen in the next few weeks. I expect that within a month I will know what I’m doing next year.”
Despite Perez’s uncertainty, his significant Mexican sponsorship suggests an anticipation of retention, though Red Bull remains non-committal.
Peter Bayer, CEO at the Red Bull team, commended Tsunoda’s growth and work ethic, remarking, “He has grown from a teenager to an adult. He drives with incredible focus and is a joy to work with. He will be interesting for other teams and Red Bull is also keeping a close eye on what happens next with him.”
Amidst Tsunoda’s speculated move to Aston Martin, buoyed by Honda’s backing—Red Bull’s engine partner transitioning to Aston Martin in 2026—Red Bull maintains a stance of careful deliberation. Dr. Helmut Marko emphasized the team’s patience, stating, “It would be unusual if we did that in April. We will not allow ourselves to be pressured. We will monitor everything closely and then we will make a decision later – probably in the summer period.”
Regarding Tsunoda, Marko praised his current form, “He is very consistent at the moment and his mistakes are in the past. He has made it into Q3 three times in a row, and is more controlled on the radio now. He has really improved. But there are still a lot of races to go.”
GMM
