Aston responds cautiously to Yuki Tsunoda reserve talk

Aston Martin is keeping quiet on speculation that Yuki Tsunoda could find his Formula 1 career extended thanks to Honda, which will power the Silverstone team as its works partner from 2026.

Rumours indicate the Japanese driver, who has struggled alongside Max Verstappen much like his predecessors, may be considered for a reserve role with Aston Martin. Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane, though, offered strong praise for Tsunoda.

"His speed, for one thing," Permane said when asked what had surprised him about Tsunoda when the Japanese driver was still at the junior team.

"I didn't know Yuki at all before I started with the team in '24, and I was immediately impressed - by his pace, his tyre management, his qualifying, the way he could get on top of the tyres so quickly.

"Honestly, his feedback and the way he is in and out of the car are really in line with the top drivers. He's a great driver. It was a nice surprise when I started working with him."

Current Racing Bulls talent Isack Hadjar is expected to step into Tsunoda's seat in 2026, but fresh speculation suggests Red Bull could also try to bring Alex Albon back from Williams.

Albon told f1-insider.com: "I often talk to Yuki, try to give him tips, try to build him up. I think he's simply great, but I also always tell him that he has the best Formula 1 driver of all time sitting across the garage."

On the Aston Martin-Tsunoda link, the team would only say its 2026 driver lineup will be revealed "in due course".

Meanwhile, Felipe Drugovich is believed to be leaving his Aston reserve duties to focus on his new racing role in Formula E with Andretti.