Yuki Tsunoda has admitted his surprise at being called up to Red Bull, replacing Liam Lawson, after believing his opportunity for promotion had passed. He also shared the objectives set for him by his new team.
Tsunoda is set to debut for Red Bull`s main team at the Japanese Grand Prix, his home race, a few months after he was initially passed over for the less experienced Lawson.
In an exclusive interview, Tsunoda mentioned that he considered his test for Red Bull after the Abu Dhabi season finale in December to be his last shot at promotion.
When asked if he thought the promotion was unlikely after four years with Red Bull`s junior team, Tsunoda confessed that he had doubts. He even questioned the purpose of a seat fitting earlier in the year, feeling his best opportunity was at the end of the previous season, which didn`t materialize. He described the situation as shocking but refocused on performing well for RB.
Lawson`s difficult start to the season has opened the door for Tsunoda to race alongside world champion Max Verstappen in the RB21, especially significant as it`s engine partner Honda`s final home race with Red Bull.
Tsunoda`s career has long benefited from Honda`s support.
Acknowledging the unexpected nature of his promotion, Tsunoda believes this situation is incredibly unique. However, he is enthusiastic about the challenge and adventure it presents.
Christian Horner, Red Bull`s team principal, has often described the seat next to Verstappen as the most challenging in Formula 1. Tsunoda is now the fifth driver to occupy this seat in seven seasons, following Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, and Lawson.
Tsunoda anticipates a tough challenge racing alongside Verstappen, acknowledging him as the best driver currently. He aims to gradually increase his pace, learn from Verstappen, and leverage his five years of experience with RB.
Tsunoda`s Disappointment and Lawson`s Situation
Reflecting on Lawson`s situation, Tsunoda drew parallels to his own disappointment when he was initially overlooked in favor of the New Zealander. He acknowledged Lawson`s efforts and the tough nature of Formula 1, referencing his own experience of missing out on the Red Bull seat previously.
Tsunoda expressed confidence in Lawson`s ability to recover strongly, praising the supportive environment at RB and hoping for both teams to perform well, aiming for all four cars to be competitive.
The Challenge Ahead and Car Development
Horner emphasized the need to utilize Tsunoda`s experience to help develop the car, which has been challenging even for Verstappen. He acknowledged the risk of Tsunoda facing similar difficulties to Lawson but believes Tsunoda`s experience will be valuable for car development throughout the season.
Horner confirmed that Red Bull is relying on Tsunoda`s experience and skills, emphasizing the team`s responsibility to develop a car that is manageable for both drivers, suggesting no further driver changes are expected this year.
Tsunoda`s Targets at Suzuka
Unlike Lawson, Tsunoda lacks pre-season testing in the RB21, meaning his first experience with the car will be during practice sessions at Suzuka. He stated that his targets are similar to Lawson`s: to qualify as close to Verstappen as possible and support Red Bull`s quest to regain the Constructors` Championship.
Tsunoda aims to build pace gradually from practice sessions, expressing confidence in his ability to reach Q3. He is focused on understanding the car to provide specific feedback for development in future races, prioritizing car understanding and feedback over immediate podium expectations at his home race.
Interestingly, Tsunoda mentioned his past preference for oversteering cars, similar to the Red Bull, hoping to showcase a different aspect of his driving style in the RB21 and reporting a positive feeling in the simulator.
