Overview
- Honda is in late talks to use power‑unit supply leverage for Red Bull’s TPC cars to push for Tsunoda to stay at Racing Bulls in 2026.
- Tsunoda qualified fifth for the Qatar sprint, outqualifying Max Verstappen for the first time, while Liam Lawson was only 17th in that session.
- Red Bull sources say the 2026 line‑ups are not yet finalized, with an announcement expected after the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.
- Prevailing paddock view has Hadjar stepping up to partner Verstappen, Arvid Lindblad moving to Racing Bulls, and Lawson favored to remain as the benchmark driver.
- Tsunoda says he does not plan to accept a reserve role for 2026, as Helmut Marko publicly notes the Japanese driver’s recent improvement.