Tsunoda aims to "take learnings from" Verstappen
Ahead of his debut race with Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda insists that he aims to take learnings from four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen as he makes his move from Racing Bulls to the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Following a difficult opening period to the season for Liam Lawson, Red Bull Racing have made the decision that from the 2025 Japan Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda will be promoted to the Milton Keynes-based outfit while the New Zealander will return to Racing Bulls.
Since the announcement, the Japanese driver has completed a second seat fit as he has already performed one earlier during the weekend which was necessary because he fulfils the role of reserve driver at Red Bull.
Tsunoda, who lives in Italy next to Racing Bull's Faenza headquarters, took part in a Honda event in its Aoyama headquarters where he said that he is welcoming the pressure associated with being Max Verstappen's team-mate and driving Red Bull's troublesome car.
"It’s been a bit of a crazy week! I was happy when I was told the news I would be driving for Oracle Red Bull Racing, my main emotions were excitement and motivation. I feel honoured to be driving for the Team.
"To make my debut for Oracle Red Bull Racing at my home race in Japan makes it even more crazy. This week is going be insane, it’s a mix of pressure for the challenge and excitement. This is a huge step for my career and what I want to achieve. The message from the Team has been to keep doing what you’re doing and perform.
"I need to be as close to Max as possible to try and compete for the Constructors’ title and benefit the Team strategically in every race. I am aware of the challenges the RB21 has and my job is to try to understand it and develop this car too. My first challenge is to get to grips with this car, I have driven it on the sim but my first time will be in practice, so I have to get up to speed quickly.
"I’ve been working with my new team in the UK over the last week to prepare as best I can and I will continue that ethic once we get to Suzuka. I will take learnings from Max and try and get the most from this weekend for the Team. My goal is to drive fast, give lots of feedback and make the car better," concluded the Japanese driver.
His new team-mate Max Verstappen endured a difficult weekend last time out in China as Red Bull struggled for pace at the Shanghai International Circuit. However, the Dutchman is hopeful that his RB21 will display a better performance in Suzuka.
"Suzuka has always been a special circuit to race at with a lot of history for us, especially winning the Constructors’ Championship in 2023 and my second Drivers’ Championship here too. Of course, it is Yuki’s first race with the Team in front of his home crowd so it will be a busy race to welcome him to the Team!
"We have a special white Japan livery this week that is a tribute to Honda, which looks cool, and I am also racing in my white Japan helmet, inspired by the livery. I’m looking forward to spending some time here in Japan and to be able relax a bit too in Tokyo before the Showrun and before heading to Suzuka.
"Looking back to China, on the second stint the performance was a lot more promising, and we were seeing a lot more pace in the car. The Team has been working hard to optimise our performance and I have been back at the factory on the sim this week too. I always enjoy racing at this track: it has a lot of high speed corners and one we typically race well at, so hopefully we can bring out the best of the car and improve here this weekend," concluded Verstappen.
