BREAKING: Tsunoda signs extension with RB

RB has confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will remain with the team for 2025, taking up its option on the Japanese driver.

As the various puzzle pieces of the 2024 driver market continue to fall into place, one more piece of the jigsaw has now been confirmed. The announcement that Tsunoda will continue with RB ends growing speculation surrounding the Japanese driver. Rumours linked him with leaving RB in recent weeks.

The option clause RB triggered is for one year only, which will raise questions about his destination for 2026. Tsunoda has enjoyed a strong 2024 season, dominating teammate Daniel Ricciardo, scoring 19 points to date compared to Ricciardo’s five.

Starring in qualifying and races, the Japanese driver has pulled off some spectacular moves this year. One notable highlight was taking the final point away from Lewis Hamilton during the Miami sprint race.

Tsunoda’s form has resulted in points scored in all but one race so far this year. In China, he suffered a poor weekend and retired due to a clash with Kevin Magnussen’s Haas.

Seemingly not of interest to the senior Red Bull team after it confirmed Sergio Perez had signed an extension keeping him at the team until 2026, Tsunoda’s continuation at RB keeps him in the sport, and free to other avenues.

Statement from Tsunoda

In a statement, Tsunoda reaffirmed his commitment to RB:

“I’m very happy to be staying with Visa Cash App RB and it’s a good feeling to have my future decided so early in the year. For that, I want to thank everyone at Red Bull and Honda who have played such an important role in my career and will continue to do so.”

He then revealed the “development project” the team is currently undertaking:

“The team has a big development project ahead and I’m excited to be part of it. It’s great to know that everyone appreciates all the hard work I have put in and that the team believes I can help it move further up the grid. We have already made clear progress this season and that really motivates me to always give of my best and that’s what I’ll continue to do with VCARB.”

Tsunoda committed to continuing his strong 2024 campaign, vowing to keep scoring points:

For the moment, I’m concentrating on the remaining races this season, with the aim of bringing home as many points as possible, always growing with the team, laying the groundwork to do even better next year!”

Laurent Mekies statement

Team Principal Laurent Mekies heaped praise on his driver, calling Tsunoda “mature” and “phenomenal”:

“I watched Yuki’s progress in Formula 1 with interest even before I returned to Faenza and it’s been impressive, year after year. 

“The step up he has made this year is simply phenomenal, and he keeps surprising us all, race after race. There’s no doubting his natural speed to which he has now added a much more mature approach and this combination makes him a very quick and consistent performer, and a great team player.

“We continue to get a better understanding of what he needs from us and vice versa, so we are progressing together, Yuki as a driver and the team, as Visa Cash App RB. We share the same ambitions, so there are several good reasons to continue our journey together. He still has a lot to give!”

Feature Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool/Getty Images