Eight questions on Tsunoda news: Will he really stay at VCARB?

What exactly is the news?
Red Bull have taken up on the option in Tsunoda's expiring contract. So in principle, the Japanese will continue to race for VCARB, Red Bull Racing's sister team, in 2025.

In principle? You just said the option has been taken up on!
Yes, in principle. In fact, there are persistent rumours that Red Bull have taken up on the option because they can thus ask for a transfer fee if Tsunoda could leave for another team before '25. Indeed, there is some interest in signing the Japanese. For example, he may be an option for Audi if first-choice Carlos Sainz decides to go elsewhere. Alpine is also mentioned as a possible destination for Tsunoda.

That explains Tsunoda's statements earlier in the week?
Absolutely. For those who haven't read it: After Helmut Marko indicated to an Austrian newspaper that the Japanese would definitely race for VCARB in '25 as well, Tsunoda reacted somewhat surprised. He even told a press conference on Thursday that there was interest from other teams. He also wanted to see some more 'commitment' from Red Bull towards him.

And by the latter he meant...?
That's not entirely clear. But probably Tsunoda was referring to the fact that - no matter how well he is doing - Red Bull Racing does not want him. For some reason, the main Red Bull family team does not see him as someone who could drive alongside Max Verstappen.

Let's assume Tsunoda does indeed stay at VCARB. Who then becomes the second driver next to him?
What a tough question! There are currently two candidates: Daniel Ricciardo, who currently drives Grands Prix for the team, and Liam Lawson. Ricciardo - as has been the case more often in recent years - is not having such a strong season, despite finishing fifth in qualifying in Canada. Jacques Villeneuve, for example, said just this weekend that Ricciardo no longer belongs in the sport. It may just be that Red Bull thinks otherwise. After all, Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, is and remains a great admirer of Ricciardo.

But surely VCARB are precisely a training team for Red Bull Racing?
It was, yes. Times have changed and the former Toro Rosso team are more performance-oriented these days. It is no longer a requirement that the drivers are young talents.

So Liam Lawson has been unlucky?
That is not to say. If Red Bull go along with Villeneuve's thinking, Lawson is the leading (and only) candidate to succeed the Australian. By the way, if Lawson does not get a permanent seat at VCARB, he is automatically free to find accommodation elsewhere. So quite a lot depends on Red Bull's decision.

Exciting times at VCARB, then, despite the news about Tsunoda.
Sure! Indeed, don't be surprised if Tsunoda still leaves, and Ricciardo and Lawson form VCARB's driver duo in '25.