Yuki Tsunoda has taken a big step up this season and RB would like the Japanese to stay next year, the Red Bull-owned team’s chief executive Peter Bayer said on Friday.
The Honda-backed driver’s seat looked uncertain with the manufacturer moving to Aston Martin for 2026, when Formula 1 begins a new engine era.
However, the 24-year-old edged out experienced Australian Daniel Ricciardo and the team also has 22-year-old New Zealander Liam Lawson in reserve waiting for his chance.
Bayer told reporters that RB were happy with both current race drivers and that they were more focused on chasing the Aston Martin ahead of them than on driver discussions.
“I definitely think he’s taken a big step forward,” he said of Tsunoda. βIt’s physical preparation, but it’s also his mental readiness to perform and perform.
“I think he just realized that every time he swore on the radio, it would cost him a tenth. So he’s in control of himself. He’s extremely professional in the job he does in the commentary with the engineers.”
Tsunoda has scored 15 points in seven races compared to Ricciardo’s five.
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While the Australian finished fourth in the Miami sprint, Tsunoda was in the points at four grands prix.
Lawson filled in for Ricciardo when the Australian was injured last season and was assured by Red Bull bosses at the time that he would be in Formula One.
Asked where Lawson fit in now, Bayer said the youngster remained an extremely valuable member of the team.
“Right now we have two drivers in the cars. We’re finding performance with both. And we’re not really discussing the 2025 situation,” he said.
“The focus is really on the track and the next couple of races until the summer break for sure.”
Red Bull director Christian Horner said there was still plenty of time and everything was under contract with Red Bull.
“Liam is no doubt keen to get back into a racing condition. The drivers in Formula 2 are performing well at the moment, Formula 3 as well. So we have a strong vein of talent,” he said.