Yuki Tsunoda has taken a big step in his Formula 1 career by driving a current Red Bull car for the first time during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Until now, he had only driven older Red Bull models, despite being part of the Red Bull program since 2019.

This test is important as Red Bull considers who will race alongside Max Verstappen in 2025, with Sergio Perez’s future uncertain after a difficult 2024 season. 

Tsunoda had a strong year, scoring 30 of RB’s 46 points and outperforming Daniel Ricciardo, who was once seen as Red Bull’s backup option. After four seasons with the team, the Japanese driver signed on for another year earlier this season, but there’s a chance he could move up to Red Bull in 2025 with him claiming he’s done everything possible to show he’s ready.

However, Red Bull still seems more interested in promoting Liam Lawson, who has impressed the team during his own chances in Formula 1 this year. The New Zealander is also taking part in the Abu Dhabi test (for RB), which could help Red Bull decide who gets the seat.

Other drivers, like Ayumu Iwasa and Isack Hadjar, are also part of the test. Hadjar, the Formula 2 runner-up, might join Formula 1 if Tsunoda or Lawson moves to Red Bull‘s main team. The team will likely wait until the test results are in before deciding who will join Verstappen next year.