In a high-stakes Suzuka debut, Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda is under pressure to match Verstappen’s performance as demanded by team boss Horner.
What can we expect from Yuki Tsunoda in his debut Grand Prix with Red Bull Racing?
The Japanese driver, who has only ever experienced the RB21 in a simulator, is set to face his first real challenge this weekend at Suzuka, performing in front of his home crowd amid many uncertainties. Despite this, Tsunoda remains ambitious and has his eyes firmly set on reaching the podium.
Christian Horner, team principal, has given Tsunoda a straightforward directive: match Max Verstappen’s performance as closely as possible.
“In the end, Red Bull Racing is all about securing the drivers’ championship for Max,” Tsunoda explained. “He’s already shown he has what it takes to become a world champion, even though Red Bull is facing some challenges right now.”
Horner’s message is clear—Tsunoda is expected to be on par with Verstappen on track. “On certain circuits, I can help with strategy,” he added, “and Christian has even promised that if I manage to overtake Max in some situations, I won’t necessarily be asked to swap positions just to secure his win.”
Tsunoda Calm Ahead of Suzuka
When asked about whether he plans to lean on Verstappen for guidance regarding the new RB21—especially after Lawson’s replacement was announced—Tsunoda was nonchalant. “I spoke with him a while ago, and while his approach on and off the track is a bit different, I’m not overly concerned about our dynamic. I know what I want to achieve, and I have a good sense of how he drives and thinks.”
Looking ahead to his home race on Sunday, Tsunoda set a realistic initial goal: “Naturally, I’d love to score points, stand on the podium, or even have an exceptional performance. I’ve had my share of critics! But given that I’m jumping into the new car right away with only a few practice sessions, finishing in the top 10 would be a solid start.”
This fresh challenge marks a pivotal moment for Tsunoda as he aims to prove his worth in a team with championship aspirations, underlining his determination to rise to the occasion.
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Tsunoda Told: Shadow Max or Step Aside at Red Bull
Tsunoda Told: Shadow Max or Step Aside at Red Bull
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