Yuki Tsunoda believes he is now “a more complete driver” and is ready for a new challenge
Going into the summer break, most anticipated a driver switch at Red Bull. However, the team decided to stick with Sergio Perez, even though Daniel Ricciardo was heavily rumoured to be taking his seat. Yuki Tsunoda was seemingly out of the equation, maybe due to his new contract at RB, but this hasn’t stopped the Japanese driver’s dreams.
Whilst talking to Motorsport.com, Tsunoda stated his case for why he should partner Max Verstappen in the future. The Japanese driver said:
He continued, “If you want to go to a top team, those things will be very important because top teams are expecting a more complete driver.” Tsunoda goes on to state that he feels “ready” for a top team, and that he has “more control, more consistency” at this stage in his career.
But what about management? The Japanese driver believes he has the backing of the Red Bull management team, saying:
“They know my performance and they are happy with my performance. That’s why they extended my contract for next year, so it’s pretty clear. I just have to keep performing, keep making them happy consistently and, hopefully, things will come naturally. I just keep focused on what I can do, but obviously, I’m feeling ready to fight against higher positions and teams, and also fight against Max. But they have to decide.”
Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko has already warned Perez that he needs to up his game. What is the likelihood of Tsunoda racing for the top team in the future?
Considering the reigning world champion’s domination in 2023 most were expecting more of the same this season. So where did it all go wrong? The team is still topping both championships, but for how long?
From the Christian Horner scandal at the beginning of the year and Adrian Newey’s impending departure to car woes and driver troubles, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
But has stability finally arrived? The appeal into Horner’s case has finally come to an end, and the team looks set on sticking with Perez – whether this was the right choice is yet to be seen. Can Red Bull save their season from the clutches of McLaren and Mercedes?…Read more by Rhiannon Temporal
