Yuki Tsunoda will represent experience and continuity at Racing Bulls next year, but the Japanese, who was passed over for promotion, appears to have no chance at Red Bull’s own Formula 1 team.

A flurry of Red Bull announcements culminated on Friday with 20-year-old Isack Hadjar being confirmed as Tsunoda’s teammate.

The Frenchman takes over the vacated place of New Zealander Liam Lawson, who is promoted to the main team alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen after the loss of Mexican Sergio Pérez.

Tsunoda, 24, enters his fifth year with the team previously known as AlphaTauri and RB and has close ties with Red Bull’s engine partner Honda.

However, the Japanese manufacturer is leaving Red Bull at the end of 2025 to work with Aston Martin.

“We are very aware that it makes any sense at all not to give Yuki a chance (at Red Bull) this year, to keep him?” Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told reporters.

“You can’t have a driver on the support team for five years. You can’t always be the bridesmaid. At that point you either have to let her go or think of something else.”

Horner said he had spoken to Tsunoda, a fan favorite who is currently enjoying some time off in Japan, and the rider was determined to show what he can do.

“I think he is very determined. He knows that things change very quickly,” said the Brit. “Who would have thought nine months ago that we would be sitting here talking about Liam Lawson being our driver for 2025?”

“Things change quickly in this industry and he’s aware of that and he knows he has to be the one to show that he’s the one knocking on the door.”

The Italian-based Racing Bulls, whose name changed several times after Red Bull bought Minardi in 2005 and renamed them Toro Rosso, have always been a feeder for the title-winning main team from Milton Keynes.

Drivers who have risen through their ranks include four-time world champions Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen, as well as race winners Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz.

Hadjar is one of a group of young talents breaking into the sport and Red Bull also have Arvid Lindblad as an exciting talent on the horizon.

Horner rates the 17-year-old, who has both British and Swedish citizenship, particularly highly after a strong rookie season in Formula 3 including a one-two at Silverstone.

Lindblad, who currently does not hold a super license, will aim for the necessary points in New Zealand early next year before starting a full Formula 2 season that could see him gain promotion in 2026 at Tsunoda’s expense.