Yuki Tsunoda handed Red Bull audition as pressure mounts on Sergio Perez
Honda have been pushing partners Red Bull to give Japanese racer Yuki Tsunoda the chance to test one of the team's cars and Christian Horner has granted that request
by Daniel Moxon · The MirrorRed Bull will give Yuki Tsunoda the chance to show what he can do in one of their cars, team boss Christian Horner has confirmed.
The Japanese racer drivers for sister team VCARB and has shown good progress during his time in F1. However, despite impressing, Tsunoda has only ever driven older Red Bull Racing cars in showruns and other promotional events.
But that will change in December. Team principal Horner has confirmed Tsunoda will get behind the wheel of their current car, the RB20, at the end of season test which follows the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The decision comes after pressure from engine partners Honda who have been keen to see the Sagamihara-born racer get behind the wheel of one of the top team's cars. Horner said: "Yuki is a member of the junior team and it is something that we have discussed with Honda.
"He will test the car at the tyre test following the conclusion of the season and it is something that has been agreed for quite some time. It will again be good to give him a run, and get the opportunity to work with Red Bull Racing engineers and see how he performs in a Red Bull Racing car."
It is an encouragement to Tsunoda who looks to have grown frustrated in recent times. Even with Sergio Perez struggling to perform at the top team, the 24-year-old has rarely been in the conversation over who might replace the Mexican should Red Bull swing the axe.
Daniel Ricciardo was always the man in the frame for a promotion in such a situation. And even now that the Australian has himself been ousted, rookie Liam Lawson has come in and been installed as the immediate favourite for the seat alongside Max Verstappen should it become available.
The Kiwi impressed in his first race back in F1 last week in Austin and finished ninth despite having started at the back of a grid thanks to a penalty inherited from Ricciardo. More such performances will do his chances of a quick rise to the top team no harm at all.
Horner continues to back Perez having handed him a contract extension earlier this season, but admitted talks will be held with VCARB team principal Laurent Mekies and chief executive Peter Bayer to discuss what they should do for 2025. He said: "Checo has a contract for next year, so he is currently our driver for 2025.
"Obviously, there is a seat available at VCARB but they are all Red Bull Racing drivers that are on loan. We have the benefit of time to sit down with Laurent and Peter and look at all the options."
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Watch F1 live
Watch Formula One on Sky Sports
£22 a month
Catch all the action from Formula One on Sky Sports and get exclusive access to races, qualifying and much more for every Grand Prix. From Max Verstappen to Lewis Hamilton, you won't miss a lap on Sky Sports.