Yahoo Autos RB takes up option to keep Tsunoda for 2025
Yuki Tsunoda will stay with RB in 2025 after the team exercised an option to retain the promising Japanese driver for a further season.
Sergio Perez’s contract extension at Red Bull had closed the door on a promotion for either Tsunoda or teammate Daniel Ricciardo, and Tsunoda had been linked with vacancies at both Haas and Stake if he were to leave the Red Bull outfit. On Thursday, however, the 24-year-old suggested there were options that meant he might not be free to choose his next move and it has now been confirmed he will remain with RB, as the team confirms it has “taken up the option on our agreement” with Tsunoda.
“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,” Tsunoda said. “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 welcomed the news, speaking in glowing terms about the progress that Tsunoda has made in 2024 after a run of five point-scoring finishes in the past six races.
“I watched Yuki’s progress in Formula 1 with interest even before I returned to Faenza and it’s been impressive, year after year,” Mekies said. “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, Yuki as a driver and the team, as Visa Cash App RB. We share the same ambitions, so there are several good reasons to continue our journey together. He still has a lot to give!”
