Tsunoda will stay in Faenza for a fifth season in 2025
The VCARB Formula 1 team has taken up its option on Yuki Tsunoda and the Japanese driver will stay with the Italian outfit in 2025.
It will be his fifth season with the former AlphaTauri team, all of them conducted with Honda power.
The team will switch to the RBP/Ford engine in 2026 when Honda hooks up with Aston Martin.
Tsunoda has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 season, regularly making Q3 and scoring points five times in eight starts.
Although there had never really been any doubt that he would continue his confirmation ticks another box as next year’s F1 grid continues to fill up.
“I’m very happy to be staying with Visa Cash App RB and it’s a good feeling to have my future decided so early in the year,” said Tsunoda.
“For that, I want to thank everyone at Red Bull and Honda who have played such an important role in my career and will continue to do so. The team has a big development project ahead, and I’m excited to be part of it.
“It’s great to know that everyone appreciates all the hard work I have put in and that the team believes I can help it move further up the grid. We have already made clear progress this season and that really motivates me to always give of my best and that’s what I’ll continue to do with VCARB.
“For the moment, I’m concentrating on the remaining races this season, with the aim of bringing home as many points as possible, always growing with the team, laying the groundwork to do even better next year!”
Team principal Laurent Mekies highlighted Tsunoda’s “more mature approach” in 2024.
“I watched Yuki’s progress in F1 with interest even before I returned to Faenza and it’s been impressive, year after year,” said the Frenchman.
“The step up he has made this year is simply phenomenal, and he keeps surprising us all, race after race.
“There’s no doubting his natural speed to which he has now added a much more mature approach and this combination makes him a very quick and consistent performer, and a great team player.
“We continue to get a better understanding of what he needs from us and vice versa, so we are progressing together. We share the same ambitions, so there are several good reasons to continue our journey together. He still has a lot to give!”
Adam Cooper F1 