Tsunoda celebrates Red Bull debut with Honda tribute at home Grand Prix!

Tsunoda celebrates Red Bull debut with Honda tribute at home Grand Prix!

Yuki Tsunoda is in the spotlight in Formula 1 as he competes for Red Bull Racing at the Japanese Grand Prix. The race has special significance because it marks the last joint race between Red Bull and their engine partner Honda on Japanese soil. In honor of Honda, Red Bull has given the car a striking special white-red livery, reminiscent of the legendary Honda RA272 that took Japan's first Formula 1 victory in 1965. The nose of the car is decorated with a red circle reminiscent of the Japanese national flag.

Tsunoda succeeds Liam Lawson and feels it is fateful to make his debut at the home Grand Prix in Suzuka. “It feels like a perfect coincidence of circumstances,” he said of his feelings before the race. Honda has played a significant role in Tsunoda's career over the years, providing key support in his rise to the Red Bull team. As well as co-financing Tsunoda's deal with Red Bull's junior team, the company has also pushed to use him at the Abu Dhabi test.

The role of Honda

Honda has supported Tsunoda throughout his career and continues to be his sponsor. Rumors began to swirl about a possible Lawson-Tsunoda trade during the 2025 season, especially as Lawson struggled to impress. Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, said Tsunoda needed to take action to secure its future in Formula 1. Honda is still interested in Tsunoda's development and would like to see him in Formula 1.

With the return to Red Bull, Tsunoda is looking at more opportunities. Watanabe was pleased with the driver's progress and his future with the team. Tsunoda will even take part in a Red Bull show run in Tokyo before starting his first training session with the RB21. He has great confidence in the new car and believes that it is faster than its predecessor, the RB20.

Tsunoda's career in Formula 1

Yuki Tsunoda, born on May 11, 2000 in Kanagawa, Japan, has worked on his promotion with AlphaTauri since joining Formula 1 in 2021. He is considered to be the first Formula 1 regular driver born after the turn of the millennium. In his career so far he has collected 94 points in the World Championship and completed 5 leading laps. His best result to date was fourth place at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, which gave many fans hope that a Japanese driver would return to the podium. The last Japanese to achieve this was Kamui Kobayashi.

On April 1, 2025, at Suzuka, Tsunoda will have a large audience among both Honda fans and the team eager to see his performance. A good performance could not only cement his career, but also honor Japan's motorsport heritage.