Tsunoda considers himself better than Verstappen

Yuki Tsunoda is known for not mincing his words. In his first season in Formula 1 in 2021, the Japanese driver made a name for himself with his outspokenness on the radio. An unpredictable driver, he doesn’t hesitate to express his moods, both good and bad, to his engineers.

This season, Tsunoda seems to be a bit more in control. His year of experience with AlphaTauri has taught him to be calmer behind the wheel. And it seems to be paying off. After seven Grand Prix races this season, the Kanagawa native is currently ahead of his teammate Pierre Gasly in the World Championship standings.

I have learned a lot.

The No. 22 now needs to secure his future in Formula 1. As a member of a program that is not known for being sentimental with its drivers, Tsunoda must multiply his good results if he wants to have a chance of making the big leap to Red Bull someday. Sergio Pérez’s recent contract extension in Milton Keynes currently blocks him from quickly becoming Max Verstappen’s garage neighbor.

Interviewed by the British press about his future, Tsunoda would like to be a driver for the Austrian team with the Dutchman. « It would be great to drive alongside him. I think he is currently the best on the grid… after me! ». However, the AlphaTauri driver takes the opportunity to pay tribute to his counterpart.

I learned a lot from him when I joined the Red Bull family, and it would be nice to become his teammate one day. Of course, I would have to beat him to become the world champion. If that’s the case, I could consider myself as one of the best Formula 1 drivers.

A message that will certainly not make Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have any doubts about the motivation of their protégé.