Janice R. Andrews
Yuki Tsunoda believes he left a strong impression on Red Bull Racing with his technical feedback during the recent post-season Formula 1 test in Abu Dhabi. The test, held at the Yas Marina Circuit, came at a critical juncture as Red Bull evaluates its driver lineup for the 2025 season.
The Japanese driver, currently racing for AlphaTauri, has been considered a potential candidate for promotion to Red Bull. However, doubts about his technical input and on-track behavior have been hurdles in his path to the senior team.
Seizing a Key Opportunity
The Abu Dhabi test offered Tsunoda his first full opportunity to drive a Red Bull car, allowing him to address concerns about his technical capabilities. Reflecting on the session, Tsunoda shared that both the trackside engineers and Red Bull’s technical team in Milton Keynes were impressed by his detailed feedback.
“I received a lot of positive comments about my feedback,” Tsunoda said during Honda Racing’s season finale event. “The engineers praised the precision and depth of my input, which was a key focus area for me.”
He acknowledged that while Red Bull had already recognized his speed, the team had been more interested in assessing his technical communication and conduct. “Red Bull doesn’t question my speed as much,” he noted. “Their focus has been on my feedback, behavior within the team, and how I handle situations in the car.”
Technical Differences
Tsunoda highlighted the differences between AlphaTauri and Red Bull’s technical approach. While he described both teams as having positive environments, he pointed out that Red Bull delves much deeper into technical details.
“Red Bull digs into every comment I make, asking follow-up questions to explore even the smallest details,” he said. “Their level of thoroughness stood out to me, and in some ways, it reflects the meticulousness often associated with Japanese culture.”
Despite the distinct engineering styles, Tsunoda found Red Bull’s high-energy atmosphere enjoyable. “It’s a mix of professionalism and fun, almost like being in a pub,” he said, contrasting it with AlphaTauri’s more Italian-inspired camaraderie.
Looking Ahead
As Red Bull finalizes its decision on the 2025 lineup, Liam Lawson remains the favorite to step up if Sergio Perez is replaced. However, Tsunoda believes his improved feedback during the test has strengthened his chances.
“I think it’s a 50-50 chance,” Tsunoda admitted. “Of course, driving for Red Bull would make me the happiest, but I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my current team.”
Tsunoda also emphasized that his focus remains on consistent performance, regardless of the team he represents. “Red Bull may be dominant now, but another team could surpass them in the future,” he added.
Dreams and Ambitions
While his future remains uncertain, Tsunoda dreams of standing on the podium at Suzuka, his home Grand Prix. He sees continuous improvement in technical skills and team development as key to achieving that goal.
“Standing on the podium at Suzuka is my ultimate dream,” he said. “To make that happen, I want to help create better cars and stronger teams.”
As Red Bull prepares to announce its decision, Tsunoda’s strong performance and refined technical feedback in Abu Dhabi may have boosted his chances for a promotion. The coming weeks will reveal whether his efforts were enough to secure a Red Bull seat for 2025.
