Laurent Mekies hails Yuki Tsunoda’s “exceptional” season
Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies praised Yuki Tsunoda for having « an exceptional » season that « no one could have predicted », while suggesting that he would « be ready » to race for Red Bull if an opportunity arose.
During his fourth season with the Faenza team, formerly known as AlphaTauri, Yuki Tsunoda started in the top 10 at half of the 24 Grand Prix contested and secured nine points finishes, ending in 12th place in the drivers’ championship, his personal best ranking.
Among his notable performances are a superb third place on the grid during a rain-soaked qualifying session at the São Paulo Grand Prix, as well as seventh places in Imola, Spielberg, and Las Vegas. His best race results include seventh places in Australia, Miami, and Brazil.
When asked during the second-to-last Grand Prix of the season in Qatar whether Yuki Tsunoda continued to impress him as much as at the beginning of the season, Laurent Mekies replied: « Of course. If you look at the drivers’ performances, they have largely followed the team’s performances throughout the year. »
« We had a slow start, a fantastic series of races, then a more difficult period with issues related to our development. Finally, we managed to get the car back in the right window for this last part of the season, and the drivers’ results followed this dynamic », he explains.
« But seeing Yuki perform again at this level, as he has done in the last races, we can say that it was an exceptional season on his part. I think he has reached a milestone this season that no one could have predicted, and it’s something he should be proud of. »
An opportunity at Red Bull?
Laurent Mekies was then asked about the long-awaited first opportunity for the Japanese driver to test a Red Bull during the post-season testing session in Abu Dhabi, and whether he thinks the 24-year-old driver has the qualities necessary to move up to the main team: « I think a driver of this level, who has scored so many points this year and placed the car in P7 or P3 in the last two qualifying sessions, is obviously ready for a faster car. »
« We hope to provide him with this faster car, but of course, I think he is ready for a more efficient car and team. So, in summary, yes, he is ready », he continues.
A successful test for Yuki Tsunoda. « Regarding the test, it was very important for our drivers to have a chance with the main team, our sister team. It is an integral part of our DNA, allowing our drivers to progress to become attractive enough for Red Bull Racing to want to integrate them. »
The Racing Bulls driver declared being happier than ever after taking the wheel of the 2024 Red Bull at the Yas Marina circuit last week. The team praised his ability to provide excellent feedback throughout the day.
