In the coming weeks, Yuki Tsunoda will be going head-to-head with Liam Lawson. The New Zealander is stepping in to replace Daniel Ricciardo, who had a disappointing performance last year. Helmut Marko has secretly promised one of the Visa RB drivers a seat at Red Bull. However, Tsunoda feels no additional pressure now that he has a new teammate.
“In this sport, it’s all about performance – I just need to focus on what I need to improve,” Tsunoda told the media in Austin. “My main focus now is to score points for the team and have a successful year. Visa RB is very performance-oriented. If I do my best, hopefully, the team management will see that. But in the end, you never know, I don’t have control over that.”
‘I was a bit emotional’
Yuki Tsunoda is convinced that he deserves a chance at Red Bull. “Maybe not last year, but I believe I have proven myself this season,” he continued. The final sprint against Liam Lawson – also a contender for a contract with the main team – doesn’t bother him much. “It’s not the first time I’ve changed teammates,” said the Japanese driver. “I don’t feel any extra pressure, I’m used to it.”
With the return of Liam Lawson, Tsunoda also bids farewell to Daniel Ricciardo. “We spoke after the race in Singapore,” he shared. “We thanked each other warmly and expressed our appreciation. I was a bit emotional, to be honest. I think he was a very good teammate. I believe he is the driver from whom I have learned the most.
