Yuki Tsunoda feels he has earned a seat at Red Bull
As Red Bull prepares to review its drivers over the summer break, Yuki Tsunoda expresses his incomprehension about what more he could have done to deserve a position in the main team.
With a series of mixed performances and results, Red Bull would consider the possibility of replacing Sergio Perez as Max Verstappen’s teammate. Among the contenders for the position are Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda and reserve driver Liam Lawson.
Although Lawson has only five Grand Prix under his belt, which would make this choice riskier, Ricciardo and Tsunoda represent more experienced options, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Christian Horner, director of the Red Bull team, has renewed his confidence in Ricciardo as a short-term solution after a difficult start in 2024. On the other hand, Tsunoda, one of the most impressive drivers of the season, does not seem to enjoy the same level of confidence.
Quizzed about the importance of the last weekend before the summer break to prove his worth, **Tsunoda estimates that he has already demonstrated enough of his abilities to deserve a promotion if Red Bull decides to make a change.**
If you look at the previous races, since the first one, it is quite clear how much I have proven on the track , Tsunoda declared at Spa, before his grid penalty for a brand new engine was made public. With the number of appearances in Q3, the points obtained on each track, I think I have proven enough. Of course, this race will also be important.
He adds that “he doesn’t know if he is really taken into account by Red Bull.” « At this stage, I don’t know if they consider me. I have done what I had to do, and I am satisfied with what I have accomplished so far. “What more should I do than that? »
Yuki Tsunoda satisfied with his season
Tsunoda says he is satisfied with his performances compared to those of other drivers. It is also quite clear how many points I have scored compared to other drivers, so I am happy with what I have done. The Japanese driver is currently 11th in the drivers’ standings, tied with Nico Hülkenberg with 22 points, which is double that of his teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
Despite the speculations, Tsunoda remains focused on his own performances and avoids being distracted by decisions beyond his control, although he admits that the incessant questions from the media are not enjoyable. “I can’t control these things, so I’m now focusing on what I can control, which is performance,” he explained.
He also expresses his desire to obtain the seat at Red Bull, although he has had no discussion on the subject. Obviously, I would like to be in that seat, 100%, but it’s not like I really feel comfortable with the rumors circulating and the extra pressure of those things. I never even had any conversations about it, or any idea about it.
Interviewed by Autosport on the criteria considered by Red Bull, Tsunoda replied: “There seem to be other factors, obviously, because they also consider other drivers. But if they only look at performance, it is very clear that I am the one performing well.“
