F1 pundit suggests NON-RACING reason RB star hasn't been sacked

Eddie Jordan has admitted that he doesn't believe that Yuki Tsunoda is at Visa Cash App RB for his on-track talents.

Tsunoda and popular team-mate Daniel Ricciardo will be heading up the rebranded 'VCARB' team in 2024, having finished the season together for AlphaTauri last year.

While 22-year-old Liam Lawson's performances last season while debuting for the injured Ricciardo impressed many around the F1 paddock, the Faenza-based team decided to stick with Tsunoda and Ricciardo for the upcoming season.

That leaves Lawson as a test and reserve driver for both VCARB and Red Bull in 2024, meaning the New Zealander is likely to feature at some point.

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VCARB head down new path

It hints at a different direction for the Faenza-based team who now have two experienced F1 drivers in their cars, as opposed to young hopefuls that have often driven with the team in the past - although Tsunoda is still only 23.

However, Jordan believes that the Japanese driver - who is heading into his fourth season in the sport - is only at the team in order to please Red Bull's partners Honda.

The F1 pundit doesn't think Tsunoda should be there based on merit, with the likes of Lawson and other Red Bull junior drivers such as Isack Hadjar putting their hands up for a chance in F1.

“Let’s be clear, Tsunoda is in the team he’s in because Toro Rosso – or call them what you want – [but] Red Bull, as a family, they need to keep Honda happy," he told the Formula for Success podcast.

"And that is a Honda request. I can promise you that’s the way it is.”

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