Yuki Tsunoda tested the Red Bull in the simulator: “This car would suit me perfectly”

Yuki Tsunoda claims that he must excel in the last two races of the 2024 season for Red Bull to consider offering him a race seat. He says he is encouraged by a recent simulator test showing that he can be fast behind the wheel of the team’s car.

Yuki Tsunoda is one of the drivers rumored to replace Sergio Perez, currently eighth in the drivers’ championship, far behind his teammate Max Verstappen. The Mexican’s lackluster performances have contributed to Red Bull’s fall to third place in the constructors’ championship, behind McLaren and Ferrari, which could cost the team millions.

Before a post-season test with Red Bull’s 2024 car in Abu Dhabi, the Japanese driver already had the opportunity to try it in the simulator. “I drove on different tracks to get used to the Red Bull car. It’s a very fast car,” he explained. “In the simulator, it looks different, but incredible to drive, with an impressive corner entry speed and a more responsive steering than our car. It was so enjoyable that I didn’t feel like I was working. I think this car would suit me perfectly.”

More motivated than ever

Since joining AlphaTauri in 2021, Yuki Tsunoda has often expressed his frustration at not being promoted to Red Bull, despite his solid performances against several teammates, including Daniel Ricciardo. However, candidates like Liam Lawson and drivers outside the Red Bull program are also in the running to replace Sergio Perez.

Aware of the stakes, Yuki Tsunoda knows that the last two races of the championship will be crucial: For Red Bull, I think the test is mostly a formality. It’s really the next two races that matter. I hope the test will give a better image of me as a driver, but it’s on the track that I have to prove that I deserve a place. I don’t know what more I could do to convince them, but I will continue to push and control what I can.

The Racing Bulls team, for which Tsunoda currently drives, is fighting for sixth place in the constructors’ championship, a challenging goal in a tight competition. Yuki Tsunoda, who has scored almost all of the team’s points this season, is nevertheless focused on his individual performances.

If I’m told that sixth place is essential to secure a seat at Red Bull, it’s complicated because it’s a team effort. But I will give it all I’ve got and hope that my results speak for themselves,” he added.

My goal is to show them, through my performances, that they need me in this car.