Overview
- Koji Watanabe says no 2026 agreement is signed for Yuki Tsunoda, with negotiations still in progress with Red Bull.
- Red Bull has designated Tsunoda as its test and reserve driver for 2026 after a difficult 2025 season, but Honda stresses the arrangement is not yet contractually finalized.
- Red Bull’s move to in-house Ford power units and Honda’s switch to supply Aston Martin have disrupted the driver pathway that previously backed Tsunoda.
- Honda states the discussions are with Red Bull rather than Tsunoda directly, and the final terms will define how Honda can utilize him this season.
- Honda rules out a Red Bull-style junior-driver setup with Aston Martin for now, continuing HFDP development to F2 and recommending candidates for F1 only if suitable.