Yuki Tsunoda firmly denies rumours that he will be joining Aston Martin

Yuki Tsunoda will not go to Aston Martin. The Japanese firmly denied the rumors sending him to the British stable. Following his contract extension, the driver reiterated his commitment to AlphaTauri and his desire to join Red Bull one day.

I don’t want Red Bull to think that I’m only focusing on Aston Martin or anything else, said the 23-year-old athlete at a press conference. « I have been with AlphaTauri and Honda since I was 18. I just need to focus on my performance for Red Bull, not for Aston Martin. I hope they won’t misunderstand these things and will think of me for the future. »

A rumor that could have consequences

The rumor has taken shape on social networks. Yuki Tsunoda’s arrival in Formula 1 in a single-seater from the Red Bull program was facilitated by the team’s partnership with the engine manufacturer Honda. However, in 2026, the two entities will part ways. The F1 team will turn to Ford for the next development of its engine with the association Ford Red Bull Power Trains. As for the Japanese manufacturer, it will take care of supplying the engine block for Aston Martin, which thus frees itself from Mercedes.

« Honda, ironically thinks that as long as a Japanese driver succeeds one day, the group doesn’t care where I’m going », explained the one who finished 14th in the 2023 championship. « Of course, we would be lucky if we could work together successfully, but if that’s not the case, they don’t care [at Honda, Ed.] and that’s what matters. In this case, the group doesn’t really focus on Aston Martin, just on Yuki Tsunoda, the driver, to allow me to succeed. »

Persuade Red Bull of its value

The year 2023 is the most accomplished season for Yuki Tsunoda. The driver wearing number 38 managed to take over the leadership role left by Pierre Gasly and to earn points for AlphaTauri. Despite a very complicated car to handle, the Japanese finished 14th in the championship and greatly dominated his teammates in the race. Performances that allowed the Italian team to finish 8th constructor after squatting the last place in the table for a while.

Following these performances, AlphaTauri extended him until 2024. The Japanese driver plans to complete a full year in the next championship to vie for a Red Bull seat, hoping that the rumors do not curb the interest of the Austrian team.

« I saw on social media that Red Bull thinks I’m already going to Aston Martin, and that’s why they’re not putting me in the Red Bull », explained Yuki Tsunoda. « I don’t know if it’s true, because it’s on social media, but obviously, I just have to show my level and convince Red Bull. I need to be able to reassure them that I can be a key part of the team. »

During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2023, after three seasons in F1, Yuki Tsunoda led the race for several laps for the first time in his career.