After a disappointing season from Sergio Pérez, it became clear last year that one of the two Racing Bulls drivers would be promoted to the main team. The choice ultimately fell on Liam Lawson, despite Yuki Tsunoda having much more experience than his New Zealand rival. The 24-year-old Japanese driver has since accepted this decision and is focusing on a new season with the secondary team.
During the season launch in London, Yuki Tsunoda was once again asked about his relationship with Red Bull. Why didn’t he get promoted to Max Verstappen’s team? After four years with Racing Bulls, ultimately the Austrians’ training team, wouldn’t he be the right candidate? Tsunoda indicated that he ‘understands’ the team management’s decision and now wants to fully focus on the new season with his familiar team.
“I’ve already put last year’s events behind me,” said Yuki Tsunoda. “When it was officially announced that Liam Lawson would be promoted, I honestly didn’t feel really angry or disappointed. I’m not exactly sure why. Maybe I had already taken it into account in the back of my mind. In the end, it doesn’t matter anymore. Whether I drive for Racing Bulls or Red Bull, the challenges remain the same. Besides, I get great opportunities with both teams.”
Leadership Role for Tsunoda
Tsunoda is embarking on his fifth season with the team from Faenza. While teammates come and go – think of Pierre Gasly, Nyck de Vries, Daniel Ricciardo, and Liam Lawson – the Japanese driver remains a constant at Racing Bulls. Now that he is joined by rookie Isack Hadjar, Tsunoda also gets the chance to prove himself as a team leader.
“At Red Bull, it probably wouldn’t have been easy to become Max Verstappen’s teammate,” he explained. “In addition, at Racing Bulls, I also get the chance to experience new things. I can now develop as a leader. In the end, I think I just have to keep doing what I do,” he concluded pragmatically. “I understand that Red Bull chose Lawson – it is what it is. These are decisions I have no influence over, and I respect that. At the same time, I have high hopes for the upcoming season. I remain focused and will prove that I have earned a place in Formula 1, no matter what.”
