Yuki Tsunoda has signed a new contract that will keep him with VCARB until the end of the 2025 season. This fulfils the prediction of Helmut Marko, who suggested that the Japanese racer would stay with the team for another year ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a sensational fourth season in F1 so far, scoring 19 points across five Grands Prix, stamping his authority on the intra-team battle with Daniel Ricciardo in the process.

However, despite his impressive performances, Tsunoda was never in serious contention to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull. The 34-year-old was handed a two-year contract extension of his own ahead of the race in Montreal.

“I’m very happy to be staying with Visa Cash App RB and it’s a good feeling to have my future decided so early in the year," Tsunoda said after the news was announced.

"For that, I want to thank everyone at Red Bull and Honda who have played such an important role in my career and will continue to do so. The team has a big development project ahead and I’m excited to be part of it.

"It’s great to know that everyone appreciates all the hard work I have put in and that the team believes I can help it move further up the grid.

"We have already made clear progress this season and that really motivates me to always give of my best and that’s what I’ll continue to do with VCARB.

"For the moment, I’m concentrating on the remaining races this season, with the aim of bringing home as many points as possible, always growing with the team, laying the groundwork to do even better next year!”

Tsunoda's place on the grid is now confirmed, but the identity of his team-mate remains a mystery. Daniel Ricciardo is the frontrunner, but VCARB are also weighing up bringing Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar into the fold.