Yuki Tsunoda has been linked to a seat in Aston Martin when Honda joins the team in 2026
When Honda becomes the official engine supplier for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team in 2026, F1 presenter Lawrence Barretto suggests a strong possibility that Yuki Tsunoda, the current AlphaTauri driver, might secure Fernando Alonso’s racing seat. This speculation arises due to Tsunoda’s close association with Honda, which has played a crucial role in his racing career.
Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin concludes after the 2024 season. Given the team’s performance in 2023, there is a strong likelihood that they will extend his contract until the end of 2025, contingent on his willingness to continue with the team.
Currently, there is no indication from the Spanish driver to extend his contract with Aston Martin, even though he had a successful 2023 season with the team, securing eight podium finishes and contributing 206 points out of the team’s total of 280.
Tsunoda’s current contract with the Red Bull junior team lasts until the end of this year but, beyond that, it is difficult to speculate his future. However, for the period beyond 2025, the Honda connection could come in handy to secure a seat with Aston Martin.
Barretto thinks that if Alonso retires at the end of 2025, his seat could be given to Tsunoda under Honda’s influence. Revealing his views in an analysis of the driver market, here’s what he expressed on the Formula 1 website:
“Team principal Mike Krack has made no secret of the fact he would love Fernando Alonso to stay beyond the end of 2024 – and sources say senior personnel within the team back that view.
“It’s up to Alonso, then, to decide if he wants to stay.
“Right now, he looks to be loving it and should Aston Martin make a step on their 2023 performance and give him a car that can achieve more than the eight podiums he clocked up, it’s difficult to imagine how this partnership won’t continue into 2025.
“Equally, it’s difficult to imagine a world where [Alonso’s team-mate] Lance Stroll isn’t driving an Aston Martin while his father [Lawrence Stroll] remains the owner, so it’s almost certain he’ll stay put for 2025 too.
“It’ll be interesting to see what happens in 2026, though, when Honda become their works engine partner.
“Should Tsunoda kick on this year and again next year, might the Japanese manufacturer want to take the racer they’ve long mentored and financially supported to Aston?”
