Red Bull is expected to make changes to its driver lineup next year, with rumours suggesting that Sergio Perez will not stay with the team due to difficulties he has had in matching Max Verstappen’s performances throughout the whole season.

If Perez is dropped, Liam Lawson is seen as the top choice to take the seat. The News Zealander, who has impressed in his limited opportunities, is believed to be ahead of Yuki Tsunoda in the team’s plans.

The Japanese, who has completed four seasons in F1, has shown potential, but Red Bull is reportedly concerned about his consistency and ability to handle the pressure of racing alongside Max Verstappen.

Although Lawson seems the favorite, Tsunoda has not given up on his chance. He recently tested the Red Bull RB20 in the post-season session in Abu Dhabi, which was his first time driving an up-to-date Red Bull car.

This test was pushed by Honda, Red Bull’s engine partner, who has been very supportive of Tsunoda’s promotion as they see him as an important part of their F1 future, especially since they will stop working with Red Bull after 2025.

Tsunoda himself is unsure why Red Bull hasn’t shown interest in promoting him, but Koji Watanabe, Honda Racing Corporation boss, has shared that there have been discussions with the team about the potential for a Tsunoda-Verstappen pairing in 2025.

"I returned to Japan from Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and on Saturday I had various discussions with Christian Horner about the drivers for next season and beyond," said Watanabe, quoted by RacingNews365, at a Honda press conference. 

"As I always say, the team has the right to decide on the driver, so our opinion is merely for reference, but from the HRC side, we believe that Tsunoda has the ability to be promoted to Red Bull and should be one of the candidates. 

"I think that what we can do is to provide an opportunity for him to show his abilities to the world, so I asked for him participate in this test, and we were able to make it happen.

"I only met him before the test, and he said: 'I want to achieve good results. I'm going to enjoy myself.' 

"He said these two things, and since then, all I have is the report from the track from HRC, but he has very clearly analysed the differences between the RB car and the Red Bull car, and has given the team very useful advice and comments on that basis.

"I have confirmed from the report that he is very satisfied. After that, I don't know what will happen, so we'll have to wait and see the results, but if it goes well, that'll be great.

"In any case, he's already been booked to drive for RB next season, so I expect him to perform well next season no matter which team he drives for."

A meeting where should’ve been decided if Red Bull will continue their partnership with Perez was held on Monday with a public announcement expected to be made very soon.