Tsunoda's Triumph: Japanese Ace Set to Stay at AlphaTauri for 2024
Sep.20 - Liam Lawson looks set to be left out of AlphaTauri's race driver lineup for 2024.
Since jumping into the injured Daniel Ricciardo's cockpit at Zandvoort, the 21-year-old New Zealander has impressed - and almost caught up with team regular Yuki Tsunoda's points haul.
It triggered speculation that Japanese Tsunoda might be relegated to a reserve role at Red Bull.
That would have opened the door for a Ricciardo-Lawson lineup for 2024. But instead, it is believed the Red Bull-owned team is set to announce at his home race at Suzuka that Tsunoda, 23, is being retained for a fourth consecutive season.
"Negotiations are reaching a final stage," new team CEO Peter Bayer is quoted as saying in the Japanese media on Wednesday.
"We will be able to make an announcement soon."
When asked if the negotiations are with Red Bull's driver guru Dr Helmut Marko, Bayer answered: "Negotiations are underway with Honda."
Indeed, Tsunoda is backed by Red Bull's ongoing engine partner Honda, but the energy drink owned team is transitioning to full control of its own power unit subsidiary by 2026.
When asked when an announcement will be made, Bayer said: "Probably before the Japanese GP."
Some observers will be stunned that AlphaTauri and Red Bull would leave the impressive rookie Lawson on the bench for next year.
Marko acknowledged to Blick newspaper on Wednesday: "We have a luxury problem.
"But anyone who doesn't drive in our B team next season will be the reserve and simulator driver for all four cars."
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Unfortunately, for Lawson, the outcome seems inevitable.
"Negotiations are underway with Honda." Translated into, we want more power and reliability, and a bit more ip winkwink
"Tsunoda is backed by Red Bull's ongoing engine partner Honda".
Which translates that Red Bull will be continuing to rely on technical expertise from Honda for their engines post 2026, thereby assuring Yuki's ongoing seat at Red Bull.
Unfortunate chain of events for Lawson, however, he has shown the paddock that he has the ability and the talent. IMO his future in F1 is not in question and his time will come.
I am Not so sure on post 26 as Aston will then have the Honda engine but untill then yes i agree inc last point
But Yuki does have to perform better as well
Didn't RB announce a Ford tie-up for '26?
yeah for 26 onwards but apparently its only on the battery side, So Honda or ( Honda influenced) Ice and Ford battery/charge unit etc, a recipe for .......
Maybe, but still nothing Honda-related beyond 2025 anymore.
Ahaa ....... the return of the DFV and DFY! Those cunning engineers at Ford!
DR’s F1 days are over, his age, poor performance and serious hand injuries guarantee that. The pain and lack of mobility will make a return impossible.
Add to that Lawsons promotional value to new sponsors Hugo Boss, no contest.
Blo, have you not seen the Adidas rumours?
Either way Liam would be a much more attractive face . Daniel is no George Clooney in marketing terms. Equally an ageing, slow Aussi is no match for a young fresh faced Kiwi, sorry Dan, RoR made me rub it in.😊
Forgot, young, fresh faced and fast.
DR AND Tsunoda should go, this pay per drive and driver personanality thing needs to stop, Williams were one of the first offenders and look how they fell from grace.
Lol
Madness. Unless he's getting Perez' seat!