Honda claims Yuki Tsunoda stays certainly one of its drivers, however his job as a Pink Bull-Ford reserve in System 1 may be a hindrance.
A product of the Honda System Dream Undertaking (HFDP) since his single-seater debut in 2016, Tsunoda quickly rose by the junior formulae. He received the 2018 Japanese F4 championship and spent simply two years in Europe previous to his System 1 debut in 2021 – one in F3, taking ninth with the unfancied Jenzer squad, and one in F2, the place the Carlin driver completed third within the standings.
Honda’s partnership with Pink Bull meant Tsunoda joined the Pink Bull Junior Crew in 2019 and graduated to AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) in F1.
The teenager spent 4 years with the Faenza-based outfit earlier than a considerably premature promotion to Pink Bull in April 2025, the place he changed a severely underperforming Liam Lawson however struggled too – to the extent that the 25-year-old is discovering himself on the sidelines for 2026, as a reserve driver.
In the meantime, as F1 implements new engine laws for 2026, Pink Bull has moved on to its personal in-house powertrain undertaking with Ford, whereas Honda is now supplying its energy items to Aston Martin solely.
The Japanese producer “naturally” regards Tsunoda and fellow former Pink Bull/Honda junior Ayumu Iwasa as “Honda drivers” and “Honda colleagues” in mild of their standing as graduates from the HFDP, Honda Racing Company president Koji Watanabe instructed Autosport on the Tokyo Auto Salon.
Yuki Tsunoda, Pink Bull Racing Crew
Picture by: Zak Mauger / LAT Photographs by way of Getty Photographs
Nevertheless, Tsunoda’s position as Pink Bull-Ford’s reserve driver may complicate the scenario.
“Relating to this yr’s contract with Tsunoda, negotiations are ongoing, so no particular settlement has been finalised but. This will probably be mentioned in future talks,” Watanabe added.
“From Honda’s perspective, there is no downside. The essential level is how Ford, or somewhat Pink Bull, views the scenario. Relying on the phrases Pink Bull proposes, the scope inside which Honda can utilise Tsunoda will change… I consider that situation is feasible.
“The negotiations will not be with Tsunoda himself, however with Pink Bull.”
Watanabe additionally clarified that Honda’s driver academy wouldn’t be intertwined with Aston Martin’s the best way it was with the RBJT.
Aston Martin has its personal programme that includes Mari Boya, who’s graduating to F2 after ending third in F3 final yr, and Mathilda Paatz, the crew’s new F1 Academy racer. Reserve driver Jak Crawford has graduated from the academy.
In the meantime, Honda has a number of children on its books, together with 2024 French F4 champion Taito Kato, who completed seventh within the System Regional European Championship final yr and can race in F3 subsequent yr.
“There are not any such plans as but” concerning a Pink Bull-like association with Aston Martin, Watanabe mentioned. “I count on we are going to proceed to coordinate numerous programmes with Aston Martin, however at this level there may be nothing we’ve got agreed upon that claims, ‘Let’s do that proper now’.
“Subsequently, at this level, we are going to proceed to nurture drivers as much as F2 inside the HFDP, Honda’s personal programme, and if any drivers emerge who’re able to driving in F1, we are going to advocate them to Aston Martin.”
We need to hear from you!
Tell us what you want to see from us sooner or later.
– The Autosport.com Crew
