Yuki Tsunoda, the fiery and determined driver for AlphaTauri, is making waves after his post-season test debut in a Red Bull car at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The test, backed by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), marks a pivotal moment in Tsunoda’s Formula 1 career as he looks to prove he’s ready for a promotion to the senior Red Bull team—a step that has long eluded him.
Impressing Red Bull with Feedback
Tsunoda’s recent test wasn’t just about lap times; it was about showing Red Bull he can bring more than just raw speed to the table. Known for his outspoken personality and occasional lapses in composure, Tsunoda focused on demonstrating his technical understanding and communication skills, areas often scrutinized by Red Bull.
“They [Red Bull] were mainly focused on car feedback and how I conducted myself within the team,” Tsunoda explained. “I believe they already know I have the speed, but they were curious about my feedback, which was an unknown for them. I received positive feedback, and they said they were impressed.”
By applying lessons learned during the 2024 season, Tsunoda hopes to have silenced critics who question his technical abilities. His detailed communication with the Red Bull mechanics during the test seems to have left a strong impression.
A Learning Experience with Ricciardo
The 2024 season brought significant growth for Tsunoda, particularly during his time alongside Daniel Ricciardo at AlphaTauri. While the season began with tension—most notably in Bahrain, where Tsunoda expressed frustration with team orders and drove erratically around Ricciardo during the cool-down lap—he turned things around by embracing the mentorship opportunity.
“I learned a lot from Ricciardo, particularly things I hadn’t been able to do myself,” Tsunoda said. “Even when things didn’t go well, he remained incredibly composed, and I could sense his experience and professionalism.”
This newfound composure and ability to absorb feedback have contributed to Tsunoda’s evolution as a driver, a transformation he believes will make him a more valuable asset to Red Bull.
Maturity Under the Microscope
Tsunoda’s emotional outbursts have been a hallmark of his early F1 career, often leading to criticism of his temperament. However, the Japanese driver is keen to highlight his progress in managing these emotions, particularly when providing feedback over the radio.
“I’ve become better at controlling my emotions during driving and providing feedback on the car in a more efficient manner,” Tsunoda admitted.
This growth comes at a critical juncture, as Red Bull evaluates whether Tsunoda has reached the level of maturity and technical sophistication required for a seat alongside Max Verstappen.
The Red Bull Puzzle: Where Does Tsunoda Fit?
Despite his development, Tsunoda remains on the fringe of discussions about a potential Red Bull promotion. With Sergio Pérez’s future uncertain and Liam Lawson proving to be a promising talent, the competition for the second Red Bull seat is fierce. Honda’s support gives Tsunoda a unique advantage, but his inconsistent performances and past emotional volatility have kept him from being a clear favorite.
Tsunoda’s impressive showing during the post-season test could tip the scales in his favor. If Red Bull values his technical input and sees continued maturity, Tsunoda could become a serious contender for a seat that remains one of the most coveted and challenging in F1.
What’s Next for Tsunoda?
The decision now lies with Red Bull’s management. With HRC lobbying for their star driver, the team must weigh Tsunoda’s potential against the risk of introducing another untested driver to the high-pressure Red Bull environment. For Tsunoda, the focus will remain on building his case further, both through off-season preparation and consistent performances in the 2025 season.
As Tsunoda himself said:
“The intent won’t be any less next year. Regardless of the circumstances, I’ll continue to prove myself.”
Whether or not that intent translates into a Red Bull seat, Tsunoda’s evolution in 2024 signals that he’s far from finished making his mark on Formula 1.
