Although Yuki Tsunoda has already been confirmed at Racing Bulls, he feels ready for a seat at Red Bull and wants to prove it in the second half of the season
Yuki Tsunoda feels ready to fight at the top of Formula 1. Now in his fourth season with Racing Bulls, he describes himself as a “more complete driver” and wants to prove it to everyone
The Japanese driver has always shown that he can be fast, but in the past his hot temper has often thwarted his plans. It was therefore crucial for his future to get his emotions under better control, as he himself admits.
And not just to achieve a better level of consistency, but also to be considered for the demanding environment of the main Red Bull team and the difficult position alongside world champion Max Verstappen.
However, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner does not yet seem convinced that Tsunoda is up to the pressure, as the 24-year-old has never been seriously considered as a replacement for Sergio Perez. Confirmation came in June that Tsunoda will remain with Racing Bulls for a fifth season in 2025, although Red Bull’s driver line-ups usually remain flexible to a certain grass.
Tsunoda has improved emotion control
However, Red Bull’s loss so far has been its sister team’s gain, as Tsunoda’s pace and stable form have made him a highly valued and important part of the team compared to the more volatile Daniel Ricciardo.
After another leap in performance this season, Tsunoda is therefore not shying away from staking his claim for a promotion to Red Bull.
“I feel like a more complete driver,” “If I look at it from the outside, my performance on a lap or my driving style was okay before, but I think the radio communication and emotional control were often lacking. “
“And if you want to go to a top team, these things are definitely very important because top teams expect a more complete rider. So I wanted to improve these things to become a more complete rider that nobody can complain about anymore. And now I feel ready,” says Tsunoda.
The points scorer at Racing Bulls
“In the last few races I’ve been able to achieve these things. I believe in myself. And I’m finding more control, more consistency. I’m very happy that I’m able to finish every time. That’s what I need to focus on instead of focusing on rumors or anything like that.”
While he enjoys strong support from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, Tsunoda hopes another consistent second half of the season can convince other voices within Red Bull. “They know my performance and are happy with it,” says Tsunoda, who has scored 22 of Racing Bull’s 34 points. “That’s why they extended my contract for next year, so that’s pretty clear.”
“I just need to keep performing, keep satisfying them and hopefully things will come naturally. I’m just focusing on what I can do, but obviously I feel ready to fight for higher positions and compete against Max as well. But that’s for them to decide. “