https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hond ... /10605518/Honda keen to continue Tsunoda F1 support beyond 2026
Honda is keen to continue supporting Yuki Tsunoda in Formula 1 even after it moves its engine partnership from the Red Bull teams to Aston Martin.
Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com, Honda Racing Corporation CEO Koji Watanabe said the company is keen to "keep a close eye" on Tsunoda and hopes he will be promoted to Red Bull, even if Honda is no longer on board.
"I think it's a very beautiful story that Tsunoda would first play an active role at RB and then be promoted to Red Bull," Watanabe said.
"Even if it's after we're gone, we would like to keep a close eye on him rising to the top teams.
"Tsunoda has graduated from the Honda Racing school, so that’s why from the HRC point of view it’s our dream that HRC students can become top drivers.
"So, it’s really important that Yuki becomes a top driver in Formula 1."
When asked if it would be awkward to remain on board as a personal sponsor of Tsunoda even if he drives for a different engine manufacturer, Watanabe replied: "That’s not necessarily difficult. We have to decide about this and we have to see what the situation is then. But we can support Yuki to become a top driver, yes."
Now in his fourth F1 season, Tsunoda has impressed by single-handedly helping RB hold sixth-place in a tight midfield battle
with seven points scored.