Yuki Tsunoda faces a pivotal moment as he prepares to compete in a landmark event at the Mexican Grand Prix, marking the final chapters of the Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull partnership. This race will honor Honda’s legacy before Red Bull transitions to producing their own power units starting in 2026.
Honda, which will join Aston Martin with the introduction of new regulations, still has seven rounds left with Red Bull this season. To commemorate their history together, Honda has planned a special tribute at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where Tsunoda will pilot the iconic RA272, Honda’s first Formula 1 race-winning car, adorned with a livery inspired by the Japanese flag in honor of Richie Ginther’s 1965 victory six decades ago.
Yuki Tsunoda Reflects on Honoring Honda’s Racing Heritage
Tsunoda expressed his deep respect and excitement for this tribute, acknowledging the significance of driving the RA272 at the very circuit where Honda achieved its first F1 triumph.
“It is an honour to drive the RA272 at the special place where Honda achieved its first F1 victory,”
Tsunoda explained.
“Driving on the track where the RA272 pioneered Japanese motorsports history 60 years ago is a particularly special and deeply moving experience. With Honda’s history of challenges in my heart, I want to give fans a drive that conveys dreams and passion.”
Challenges and Prospects as Tsunoda Nears Season’s End
As the 2025 season approaches its conclusion, Tsunoda carries intense pressure following a difficult year at Red Bull. The 25-year-old driver has struggled to score points consistently, currently ranked 17th in the championship standings. Despite this, he achieved his best finish recently with a sixth place at the Baku race.
Meanwhile, his rivals have capitalized on stronger momentum. Isack Hadjar’s consistent performances and a podium finish at Zandvoort put Tsunoda’s position under threat, as Hadjar is rumored to be a strong candidate for a promotion to Red Bull in 2026.
Should Tsunoda manage to secure points regularly in the remaining rounds, he might preserve an F1 seat, potentially moving to Red Bull’s junior team, Racing Bulls. However, his future remains uncertain, with speculation from Sky Sports F1 pundit Ted Kravitz suggesting that Tsunoda could follow Honda’s path and join Aston Martin as a third driver alongside Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso in the upcoming season.
Significance of the Mexican Grand Prix Tribute and What Lies Ahead
This forthcoming Mexican Grand Prix event is set to be a heartfelt farewell to the Yuki Tsunoda Red Bull partnership and a tribute to Honda’s enduring influence in Formula 1. Tsunoda’s drive in the RA272 serves not only as an homage to Honda’s rich motorsport heritage but also as a moment of reflection amid an uncertain career trajectory.
With the power unit transition reshaping team alliances and driver line-ups, the end of this chapter highlights the dynamic nature of Formula 1’s evolving landscape. Tsunoda’s performance in the coming races will be crucial in determining whether his F1 journey continues or shifts direction as new opportunities emerge.
