Horner confirms Abu Dhabi post-season test chance for Tsunoda after talks with Honda

Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner has confirmed that RB driver Yuki Tsunoda will be given an opportunity to pilot the senior team’s car during the 2024 post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Tsunoda is contesting his fourth campaign at Red Bull’s sister outfit, previously named AlphaTauri, but the Japanese racer has so far been overlooked when it comes to the seat alongside Max Verstappen.

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Speaking at last weekend’s United States Grand Prix, 24-year-old Tsunoda insisted he deserves to be promoted, stating that “if I perform well, hopefully those guys [at Red Bull] will see it”, but admitted “I can’t control those things”.

What has now become clear, however, is that he will drive for Red Bull at the end-of-season test at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit in December, following talks between the team and their engine provider Honda, who have backed Tsunoda for many years.

“Well Yuki, obviously, is a member of the junior team,” said Horner in the Mexico City paddock. “It’s something we have discussed with Honda.

“We gave Yuki a run up the hill at Goodwood earlier in the year, and that was unexpected. He was the first driver to drive a current F1 car in an open-face helmet and goggles!

“He will test the car again at the tyres test following the conclusion of the season. It’s something that’s been agreed for quite some time.

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“It will again be good to give him a run, give him the opportunity to work with Red Bull Racing engineers, and see how he performs in a Red Bull Racing car.”

Earlier this year, Tsunoda signed a new deal to stay at RB for the 2025 season, with the identity of his team mate yet to be confirmed – Liam Lawson pushing for a full-time seat after replacing Daniel Ricciardo in Austin.

It comes amid wider questions around Red Bull’s future line-up, with Sergio Perez securing his own extension to remain as Verstappen’s team mate next season but the Mexican coming under another wave of pressure amid a difficult run of form.