Tsunoda makes Red Bull F1 debut

Yuki Tsunoda has made his first official F1 appearance for Red Bull at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Tsunoda had previously only ever driven older Red Bull machinery and never stepped foot behind the wheel of an up-to-date challenger despite his long association with the project.

The Japanese driver has been associated with the Red Bull programme since 2019 and made his F1 debut in 2021 with the sister AlphaTauri squad.

Tsunoda has spent four seasons at the Faenza-based F1 squad which will enter next year’s campaign under the Racing Bulls moniker.

An impressive opening phase of the 2024 season saw Tsunoda confirmed at Racing Bulls for another campaign.

However, the 24-year-old has been linked to a promotion to Red Bull for 2025 amid uncertainty over Sergio Perez’s future.

Tsunoda and team-mate Liam Lawson have been mooted as the leading contenders for the drive to replace the Mexican and join Max Verstappen at the front-running team.

Lawson is also present at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, driving for RB alongside Ayumu Iwasa.

The second Red Bull is being steered by Formula 2 runner-up Isack Hadjar who is the favourite for a promotion to F1 in place of Tsunoda or Lawson, should either move up the grid.