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Yuki Tsunoda Makes Bold Pitch for Red Bull Seat After Abu Dhabi Test

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 9, 2025
in Featured Motorsports, Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Yuki Tsunoda Makes Bold Pitch for Red Bull Seat After Abu Dhabi Test

Yuki Tsunoda seized his opportunity to shine in Red Bull Racing’s RB20 during the Abu Dhabi post-season test, delivering a performance that doubled as a compelling case for becoming Max Verstappen’s teammate in 2025.


“I’m Ready for This”

Tsunoda, who has spent the last four seasons with Red Bull’s junior team, finally got his chance behind the wheel of the championship-contending RB20. The Japanese driver couldn’t hide his excitement after logging 127 laps and savoring the difference in performance compared to his usual ride.

“It’s the first time in the past four years that I have driven a different car,” Tsunoda remarked. “You can physically feel why the RB20 has been fighting for a championship this year. I feel a clear difference to what I was driving before.”

Tsunoda described the car as suiting his driving style and said he adapted quickly, delivering consistent runs without struggling to find the car’s limits.

“Straight away, I felt the limitations of the car,” Tsunoda added. “If you don’t have confidence in the car, you can’t feel those limitations. I didn’t really struggle much to adapt, and I am more happy than ever at the moment.”


A Strategic Opportunity

With Sergio Perez’s future at Red Bull uncertain, the Abu Dhabi test was a key moment for Tsunoda to demonstrate he belongs at the senior team. While Liam Lawson had been considered the frontrunner to replace Perez, Tsunoda’s performance may have tilted the scales in his favor. His adaptability to the RB20 stands out, as former Red Bull teammates like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and even Perez struggled to sync their driving styles with Red Bull’s notoriously finicky car.

Tsunoda also made a pointed effort to highlight the positive atmosphere in the Red Bull garage, further indicating he is not only technically ready but also mentally resilient for the high-pressure environment.


Performance Highlights and Feedback

Although outright lap times from testing are meaningless without context, Tsunoda’s ability to complete more than two race distances and provide detailed feedback on the new Pirelli tire compounds impressed Red Bull engineers.

“Yuki gave excellent feedback and offered valuable insight on the tyre changes Pirelli will introduce for next year,” said Ben Waterhouse, Red Bull’s head of performance engineering.


Support from Key Figures

Tsunoda’s RB team boss Laurent Mekies and racing director Alan Permane have both recently praised his readiness for promotion. Mekies went as far as saying, “It would be a lie to say Yuki isn’t ready,” while Permane described Tsunoda as “super quick.”

The test results have bolstered Tsunoda’s case further, with his calm and collected performance countering past concerns about his mental resilience.


The Final Decision

Red Bull now faces a critical decision: promote Tsunoda, who has methodically proven himself over multiple seasons, or place their trust in Lawson, the rising star who has also impressed in his limited opportunities.

With Tsunoda’s seamless adaptation to the RB20 and his clear confidence in handling its quirks, the Japanese driver has positioned himself as a strong contender for the coveted seat alongside Verstappen.

As Tsunoda put it, “This has been so fun… I’m making sure I give the team everything they need. I’m ready.”

The ball is now firmly in Red Bull’s court.

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