Why Honda is paying millions to have Tsunoda alongside Verstappen

He will replace Liam Lawson after just two rounds following a lacklustre start to the season for the New Zealander. But it is a dream not just for Tsunoda, but for Japanese manufacturing giant Honda.

It is no secret that Honda provided funding for years to keep Tsunoda in a seat at Racing Bulls (and its predecessors). That only ended last year, but the bond between the engine supplier to both Red Bull teams remained strong. Thus, Tsunoda was still one of the faces of the brand.

When it became clear that Red Bull Racing was considering replacing Lawson, it was perhaps Honda that put an end to any doubts among the team's management. Indeed, the manufacturer revealed that it would be willing to pay millions if Tsunoda were to partner Max Verstappen at Suzuka.

Tsunoda at Red Bull unaffordable for Honda

Honda realises that the debut of a compatriot at the manufacturer-run Suzuka circuit is priceless from a marketing point of view. The focus of Japan and the rest of the world will be on Tsunoda, who will race with the chance of a podium finish at home.

To make the story even better for Honda: Tsunoda will complete a demonstration run in a Red Bull Racing car on the Wednesday before the grand prix in Tokyo. It is not hard to predict that the streets of the Japanese capital are going to be very busy when Verstappen's new teammate presents himself to the world for the first time in new colours.

At the end of the season, Honda will bid farewell to Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls to supply engines exclusively to Aston Martin. That does not imply that Honda will then abandon Tsunoda. The manufacturer has previously revealed that supporting a driver - Tsunoda or another - is independent of which team Honda is currently supplying engines to.