Yuki Tsunoda’s outing for Red Bull in the Abu Dhabi tire test this week is an opportunity for him to prove himself amid uncertainty over Sergio Perez’s future, according to team principal Christian Horner.
Perez appears set to leave Red Bull as both sides look to reach an agreement over his contractual situation, following a disappointing season in which he finished a distant eighth in the drivers’ championship. With Red Bull reserve driver and Formula 2 racer Isack Hadjar taking part in the young driver test on Tuesday and Tsunoda set to carry out tire testing duties, Horner says both have a chance to impress as the latter makes his first appearance in a Red Bull.
“We have Hadjar doing the junior test for us, and Yuki doing the Pirelli tire test,” Horner told SiriusXM. “It’s a great opportunity for Yuki to work with the engineering team and get a run in RB20.
“As you well know, any time you sit in a Formula 1 car it’s an opportunity to prove yourself. It’s a good opportunity for Yuki, it’s a great opportunity for Isack, so let’s see.”
Horner says both Tsunoda and RB teammate Liam Lawson are in the frame if Red Bull does replace Perez next season.
“I think Liam, in challenging circumstances, he’s done a very good job,” Horner said. “If you analyze what he’s done and in the time that he’s had and the race pace that he’s had, I think he’s done a good job.
“I think Yuki has done a good job. So in the event that anything were decided with Checo, would be the candidates.”
While admitting there are discussions taking place relating to Perez’s future, Horner says his overall contribution to Red Bull since 2021 should not be overlooked.
“Look, it’s tough for Checo. He’s been a great team member and he’s had a really tough year. We’ll reflect on that after this weekend, but you’ve got to feel for him again, retiring from a race that he wanted to finish the season at least on a high. But you’ve got to look back on the years that he’s done with the team, the five victories, the second in the world championship last year — he’ll always be a big part of this team.
“We’ll reflect on what happened this year and how we move forward.”
