However, Tsunoda\u2019s place at Red Bull has – for the most part – always been conditional on engine supplier Honda. But, with the Japanese manufacturer linking with Aston Martin next year, Tsunoda\u2019s place is perhaps the least secure of the four contenders.<\/p>\n
The Herald understands that Honda have paid Red Bull an eight-figure sum annually, believed to be in the region of US$10m to see Tsunoda on the Formula One grid. <\/p>\n
Earlier this year, when Lawson was demoted by Red Bull after just two grands prix<\/a>, the Herald understands that payment was doubled by Honda, to see Tsunoda take his place for the manufacturer\u2019s home race at Suzuka. <\/p>\n But that link to Honda could both cost Tsunoda his place in Formula One, as well as seal his future in IndyCar.<\/p>\n According to American journalist Tony Donohue, Tsunoda is being eyed to join IndyCar – where Honda supply the engines for five of the 12 teams cars. <\/p>\n In particular, Dale Coyne Racing looms as Tsunoda\u2019s potential destination, with current driver Rinus VeeKay leaving to join Juncos Hollinger Racing.<\/p>\n As first reported by the Herald, that would leave Lawson in position to take the final seat at Racing Bulls<\/a>, and act as a mentor figure to Lindblad.<\/p>\n Red Bull had outlined the deadline of this week\u2019s Mexican Grand Prix <\/a>as when both teams\u2019 driver lineups would be decided.<\/p>\n However, both team principal Laurent Mekies and senior adviser Dr Helmut Marko have confirmed Red Bull will now wait to make that decision after the Qatar Grand Prix<\/a> at the start of December.<\/p>\n It is understood that with Qatar being the season\u2019s penultimate race, the following week\u2019s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will serve as a farewell to Honda, and potentially Tsunoda with it. <\/p>\n Tsunoda is no stranger to IndyCar. In November last year, he tested Scott Dixon\u2019s Chip Ganassi car, powered by Honda at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.<\/p>\n