Yuki Tsunoda is facing a nervous wait (Image: Getty)
are set to announce their 2025 driver line-ups this week as and face nervous waits to discover their F1 futures. The two drivers have been pushing to replace , who is under significant pressure.
After the season finale in Abu Dhabi ended with a lap-one DNF for Perez, reports in the paddock revealed that hope to move on from the Mexican driver in 2025. However, with the six-time Grand Prix winner still contracted to the team, intense talks have taken place behind the scenes.
Perez still wants to hold onto his seat with , but if the parties do come to an agreement, then the prime candidates to replace him are Tsunoda and Lawson. The latter is regarded as the favourite to partner Verstappen next year, but his team-mate is feeling positive after a strong post-season test.
“I heard a lot about how impressed they were, particularly with my feedback,” he revealed. “This came not only from the trackside engineers but also from the engineers supporting remotely from ’s factory in Milton Keynes. They mentioned how impressed they were with my input.
“That area was a key target for me. I believe already understands that my speed isn’t much of an issue. Instead, what they’re more focused on is things like my feedback, my behaviour within the team, and how I conduct myself in the car.
“They probably saw those areas as the biggest unknowns. So while keeping that in mind, I continued to provide feedback as I always have, aiming to communicate as thoroughly and with as much detail as possible.”
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Red Bull now have a difficult decision to make (Image: Getty)
If Tsunoda isn’t called up for 2025 then his career is in a difficult moment. The Japanese racer matched up well against and dominated Nyck de Vries and , and yet has consistently been overlooked for a promotion.
Addressing his latest odds, Tsunoda continued: “I think the chances are 50-50. Of course, I’d be happiest if I could drive for , but I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’m receiving from everyone in this current situation.
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“Regardless of which team I’m with, what I need to do remains the same. It’s not just about . For all we know, might surpass them in development. It’s not like it absolutely has to be .
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I just want to perform well and score points. Standing on the podium at Suzuka would be the ultimate dream. But, to achieve that, I want to help build a better car and a better team someday. Until that time comes, I hope everyone can be patient.”