Does Tsunoda deserve a third year in F1? Our verdict

Yuki Tsunoda will race for Red Bull in Formula 1 for a third time in 2023.

Tsunoda is in his third season in Formula 1. He's outqualified Gasly six times and has been the faster driver on some occasions. Tsunoda has issues with discipline and he's been reprimanded 16 times in 16 races. If he can improve his performance, he could be a real asset for AlphaTauri. He will be 23 next year and will need to show he has the capacity to piece weekends together consistently. Edd Straw gives his verdict. It's not clear if Tsuna deserves the seat.

Tsunoda is a Honda driver. Honda's partnership with Red Bull helped him progress to F1. The manufacturer's exit from F 1 was announced last year. Rumours are that Honda will come back in 2026. Tsunoda's nationality will help him, but it cannot save his career entirely if he underperforms. Ayumu Iwasa, another Honda/Red Bull driver, is nipping at Tsuna's heels.

Tsunoda has been given a new deal for 2023. Valentin Khorounzhiy was not promoted to the senior team.

Tsunoda is in his third season in Formula One. He is not considered a long-term prospect. Tsunoda's team, AlphaTauri, doesn't want to keep him. He might be used as a show driver. The team's principal Franz Tost believes that drivers need three years to show their worth. Carlos Sainz was loaned out to a higher team after his 3rd season at Toro Rosso. Red Bull did not use its option to call him up as Ricciardo's replacement for 2019. It's possible that Sainsz's relationship with Max Verstappen could be overcome.

Gary Anderson and Gary Tsunoda think Yuki Tsuna deserves a third year in Formula One. Tsanna is important for Red Bull and Honda. Red Bulls brought Honda back after three dismal years with McLaren. Porsche might not be interested in going in that direction.

Tsunoda's first two seasons in F1 haven't been convincing enough. Red Bull doesn't know if Gasly is going to Alpine or staying at Red Bulls. Tsunoda has been given another chance to be next in line to claim Gasley's 'gatekeeper' role at the second team.

Tsunoda is getting more patience than his predecessors. He is still a driver of great potential with some very high peaks. He would be out if Red Bull had a junior it was confident was ready for F1 or a pressing need to try someone out for an RBR seat.