As a regular driver for the past two seasons, Yuki Tsunoda’s best position so far is a 4th place finish achieved in 2021. After a promising start in 2021, he experienced more challenging races towards the end of the season and has a reputation for being a straight-talking and blunt driver on the radio. This seems to suit AlphaTauri, although Pierre Gasly has already been announced for 2023 and could potentially leave the team for another team – Alpine.
AlphaTauri therefore chooses continuity and the Japanese driver will drive in Formula 1 for his third season next year and is delighted about it: “I am immensely grateful to Red Bull, Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri for continuing to give me this opportunity to drive in F1. I moved to Italy last year to be closer to the factory and I truly feel like part of the team. I am proud to race for them in 2023, and of course, 2022 is not over yet, so we must attack as strongly as possible to win the battle of the midfield teams.”
Franz Tost – usually pragmatic – is also happy to continue the adventure with Tsunoda, although it is not him who actually decides. It is Helmut Marko who is in charge of extending the contracts of Red Bull and AlphaTauri drivers.
He has improved a lot this season and he has a lot of talent. He continues to progress and he deserves his seat in 2023. However, I still expect a lot of work and results from him by the end of the season. Drivers need at least three seasons to really show what they’re worth. I’m glad that we can give him this opportunity and ultimately it’s proof that Red Bull’s young driver program is working.
