Daniel Ricciardo’s teammate Yuki Tsunoda is open to the possibility of joining another Formula 1 team.
The RB driver is in his fourth season with the Faenza-based team having replaced Daniil Kvyat.
Red Bull has shown very little interest in promoting Tsunoda to the top team and it has been said his place at RB is down to Honda’s desire to have a Japanese driver in a car it powers.
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Honda is set to return to F1 with Aston Martin in 2026 and there has been speculation that Tsunoda could shift across to the Lawrence Stroll-owned outfit.
“Yeah, I mean, so far very happy with the VCARB,” said Tsunoda.
Yuki Tsunoda of Japan and RB teammate Daniel Ricciardo. Rudy Carezzevoli via Getty Images
“I mean, now we’re fighting, like, almost… Yeah, sometimes like even P7 or P8.
“So I mean other options… and like probably now the top teams are pretty much taken so… I mean, probably we’re the strongest team in the midfield at least. We’ll see.
“I think, obviously, especially when I’m in Red Bull, you want to always aim for Red Bull.
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“But if they don’t want me or they’re not expecting me into the seat, if I’ve got an interesting offer that could be better than even VCARB or Red Bull, I’ll think about it.
“But I also have a big loyalty to Red Bull as without them I wouldn’t be here, and obviously Honda as well.”
Daniel Ricciardo during the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. Rudy Carezzevoli via Getty Images
Tsunoda and Ricciardo are both contracted to RB until the end of 2024.
Tsunoda said a move to Aston Martin as soon as 2025 mightn’t be an option with Fernando Alonso signed and Lance Stroll all but guaranteed a seat.
“And speaking of Honda, maybe Aston Martin, but you know, Aston also, they’re taken by two drivers,” said Tsunoda.
“So yeah, I mean, it’s pretty open, but so far I’m happy with VCARB.”
Fernando Alonso of Spain driving the Aston Martin AMR24 at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. Robert Cianflone via Getty Images
Aston Martin mightn’t be the only option for Tsunoda. According to RACER, the 24-year-old is interested in Haas.
There is heightened interest in the Haas seats currently occupied Kevin Magnussen and Sauber-bounder Nico Hulkenberg.
Ferrari stand-in Oliver Bearman, who replaced the ill Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, is a firm favourite to be promoted to F2 and join Haas.
Liam Lawson (left) with Yuki Tsunoda (centre) and Daniel Ricciardo at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Rudy Carezzevoli via Getty Images
If Tsunoda did move teams next year, that would reduce the threat of Ricciardo being replaced at RB.
Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson continues to loom as a threat to replace the Australian driver next year.
Ricciardo has been soundly outperformed by Tsunoda this year alone.
The 34-year-old has yet to score points in a grand prix while Tsunoda has finished inside the top 10 on five occasions. Ricciardo is yet to score a grand prix top 10.
