Yuki Tsunoda is set to make waves at Suzuka this weekend, as he gears up for his debut as a Red Bull Racing driver at the Japanese Grand Prix. Fresh from simulator sessions, the buzz around Tsunoda is building, especially after Helmut Marko, a key figure at Red Bull, praised his feedback and experience.
Tsunoda, who has been racing for five years, recently jumped into the RB21 simulator, delivering feedback that Marko labeled as ‘very good.’ This weekend will mark his first outing in the RB21 on the track, following his experience testing its predecessor, the RB20, in Abu Dhabi last year. Marko has touted Tsunoda’s experience, noting it as a significant reason for his move, as he brings valuable insight and feedback gained from his time in the sport—a quality that sets him apart from his predecessor, Liam Lawson.
The decision to swap seats with Lawson and give Tsunoda an opportunity came after the Chinese Grand Prix. Marko emphasized that Tsunoda had actually been anticipating this move due to his solid technical knowledge and feedback ability—an area where he had faced previous criticism. He added that the technical side of things, which some had doubted Tsunoda could handle, was a challenge he met with impressive skill.
There was speculation regarding whether Tsunoda could have declined the Red Bull seat if offered, given the team’s power to move drivers between teams. Marko confirmed this was the case, yet noted that Tsunoda had been expecting this advancement, although it came sooner than anticipated.
As Tsunoda prepares for his role at Red Bull, the team is optimistic about the insights and performance he will bring on race day. The hope is that his experience and newfound feedback will translate into success on the track at Suzuka.
As Tsunoda steps into the Red Bull spotlight at Suzuka, all eyes will be on whether his simulator success and technical prowess translate into real-world results. It’s a significant moment for the young driver and the team, highlighting the intricate dance of career progression, skill demonstration, and strategic team decisions in Formula 1.
