Aston Martin has confirmed that it will reveal its complete driver lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season at the appropriate time, amid growing speculation that Yuki Tsunoda could join the team as a reserve driver. This comes after Felipe Drugovich, one of Aston Martin’s reserve drivers, announced his move to Andretti’s Formula E squad for the 2025/26 season, opening the door for potential reshuffles within the team.
Aston Martin Addresses Driver Lineup Amid Tsunoda Speculations
Felipe Drugovich’s decision to compete full-time in Formula E following two appearances last season with Andretti marks a significant shift for Aston Martin’s reserve driver roster. Despite winning the FIA Formula 2 title in 2022, Drugovich has struggled to secure a race seat at Aston Martin, where Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll remain contracted race drivers through 2026. Over the past three seasons, Drugovich’s involvement has largely been limited to testing and practice sessions, including deputising for Alonso at the Hungarian Grand Prix this year.
Meanwhile, fellow reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne continues to balance F1 commitments alongside competing in both Formula E and the World Endurance Championship. Sources close to the team suggest Drugovich is likely to leave Aston Martin ahead of the upcoming Formula E season, beginning December 6 in Brazil. This anticipated departure could open up a reserve driver spot with Aston Martin for 2026, fueling rumors that Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda might fill the vacancy.
Yuki Tsunoda’s Future with Aston Martin Under Spotlight
Yuki Tsunoda is expected to lose his current race seat at Red Bull Racing to Isack Hadjar for the 2026 season. With Honda ending its F1 partnership with Red Bull, Tsunoda’s long-term position within the Red Bull group has become uncertain. Aston Martin will begin a technical collaboration with Honda starting next season, as Red Bull produces engines in-house via its new Powertrains division with assistance from Ford, adding another layer to the speculation around Tsunoda’s potential move.
Aston Martin stated,
“Aston Martin Aramco have Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll contracted as race drivers until the end of 2026. The wider driving squad for next year will be announced in due course.”
This cautious acknowledgment neither confirms nor denies Tsunoda’s involvement but keeps the possibility open.
Tsunoda’s Performance and Red Bull Seat Challenges
Since his F1 debut with AlphaTauri (now Racing Bulls) in 2021, Tsunoda’s progression has been mixed. After replacing Liam Lawson at Red Bull Racing during the 2025 season, he has scored points in only five of 15 races and endured a seven-race points drought between the Monaco and Hungarian Grands Prix. In recent races, Tsunoda’s form has improved, highlighted by a sixth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix—his best result for Red Bull so far.
However, Tsunoda failed to overtake Lawson’s Racing Bulls car for fifth, despite having fresher tires and using DRS aggressively, signaling ongoing struggles against teammates. Last year, Tsunoda mentioned Aston Martin as a potential long-term destination due to their expanding ties with Honda, which supports the rumors linking him to the team.
Potential Red Bull Driver Changes and Implications for Tsunoda
Reports indicate Isack Hadjar will replace Tsunoda as Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2026. Along with Hadjar’s promotion, F2 driver Arvid Lindblad is rumored to take the seat Lawson currently occupies at Racing Bulls, potentially leaving Tsunoda and Lawson without a drive in the senior Red Bull team. These developments sparked speculation Tsunoda might lose his seat even before the final four races of this season, with Hadjar making an early debut at Red Bull to prepare for 2026.
Such talk has been challenged by sources close to the situation. Ralf Schumacher, a Sky F1 Germany pundit, recently proposed that both Tsunoda and Lawson could be sidelined if Racing Bulls opt for an all-new duo of Lindblad and Alex Dunne, a McLaren junior competing in Formula 2. Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko has reportedly met with Dunne and his representatives, although their discussions remain preliminary and not yet aimed at confirming a 2026 seat.
Junior Driver Movements and Wider F1 Context
Current McLaren race drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have long-term contracts, limiting Dunne’s opportunities within that team. McLaren has demonstrated openness to letting its junior talents seek seats elsewhere, having allowed F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto to join Sauber’s F1 team for 2025. This precedent adds further fluidity to driver market dynamics that could influence Tsunoda’s career trajectory.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin has recently strengthened its technical capabilities by signing key Red Bull personnel following the unexpected departure of its design chief Adrian Newey, which could affect how the team approaches its driving lineup and development strategy for upcoming seasons.
What Lies Ahead for Tsunoda and Aston Martin in 2026?
Tsunoda’s potential move to Aston Martin represents a critical juncture in his F1 career as the Japanese driver seeks to maintain his place on the grid amid shifting team alliances and manufacturer partnerships. Aston Martin’s newly announced collaboration with Honda, the departing reserve driver Drugovich, and possible changes in Red Bull’s driver roster all combine to make 2026 a pivotal year for Tsunoda and the teams involved.
Should Tsunoda secure a reserve or full race seat at Aston Martin, it would mark a fresh start aligned with Honda’s re-entry through Aston Martin’s powertrain program. This partnership might also influence driver development pathways and technical synergies between the teams competing at the front end of Formula 1.
“The wider driving squad for next year will be announced in due course.”
– Aston Martin Aramco Team Statement
