While Rooting for Daniel Ricciardo, Christian Horner Refuses to Shut the Door on Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull Chances

The 2023 season came with a unique set of challenges for AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda. Despite a strong season, the Japanese driver faced consistent uncertainty over his future in the team, given everything that was going on around him. The Japanese driver, however, has little reason to worry as Christian Horner wants to maintain his relationship with the 23-year-old, according to “Last Word on Sports.”

After Liam Lawson made his debut on the Formula One grid, Tsunoda found himself in danger, but Ricciardo’s future with the team was secure. The youngster was put under more strain as a result, but he remained unbroken. Tsunoda was relieved to receive an offer from AlphaTauri shortly after that, which kept him at bay for an additional year.

Christian Horner not looking to let go of Yuki Tsunoda anytime soon.
Amidst a flurry of rumors, the most reliable foundation for one particular rumor was the collaboration between Honda and the Red Bull team. As per multiple reports, Tsunoda’s one-year contract extension was made possible due in large part to Honda’s influence within the Red Bull camp.

However, according to the words of Christian Horner (as quoted by Last Word on Sports), it was the Briton’s belief in Tsunoda that earned him the contract.

“Yuki is a very quick driver, and we’ve seen him evolve over the last three years. He now goes into his fourth season [2024] as a junior driver – and what you have to remember is that Red Bull Racing’s only interest in AlphaTauri is as a potential springboard into a Red Bull seat.

Another theory suggested that Tsunoda was only a part of the operations at Red Bull due to his nationality.

Yuki is in Formula 1 because of his talent, not because of his nationality. Now, whether he ultimately proves to be good enough to step up to the Red Bull Racing team… He will have to earn that opportunity based on what he does on track.”

But, Horner clarified it wasn’t the case and that his future with the team would depend on his on-track performances.

Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull return might not be too far away.

Horner discussed Daniel Ricciardo’s eagerly awaited return to Red Bull in July of this year. He clarified that the Australian was merely on loan to AlphaTauri and would return to Red Bull at the conclusion of the 2023 campaign. Horner alleged that Ricciardo accepted the position at AlphaTauri with an eye toward a 2025 Red Bull seat. He continued by saying that Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez would still be paired in the 2024 lineup.

After suffering a left hand injury, Ricciardo is back and ready to show off his skills in the hopes of regaining his position in the Milton Keynes-based team. Horner’s statement that he is an essential third driver will be taken to heart by Ricciardo as he strives to realize the dream.