After spending months making a case for himself to be a candidate for a Red Bull seat, Yuki Tsunoda finally got behind the wheel of a Red Bull car on Tuesday, as he drove the RB20 for the Milton Keynes team in the post-season test at Yas Marina Circuit.
The Japanese driver has spent the last four seasons at Red Bull’s sister outfit, RB, and this year contributed 30 points to the overall 46 scored by his team in 2024.
With rumours swirling around the possible exit of Sergio Perez, one of Tsunoda, or his teammate Liam Lawson, is expected to replace the Mexican driver at Red Bull.
Tsunoda is the more experienced driver of the pair but is not in pole position for that promotion, with reports indicating Lawson is the likelier replacement for Perez.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday after he finished 12th in the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Tsunoda said he was excited about driving the RB20 in the post-season test, and hopes it’s another chance for him to prove he can be an asset for Red Bull.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s the first time I’m driving a different car,” said Tsunoda. “Obviously it’s still in a similar group, but the car will be much different.
“I’m excited, obviously I’ll enjoy it, but at the same time, I’m fully focused. Obviously something after this disappointing race happened, it’s good that it’s something I can look forward to and I hope I can give them feedback that they can benefit from something for the future.”
The 24-year-old added: “I want to do what they ask me to do, with 100 per cent performance. Even though I didn’t get the performance or run plan, I can do other things that maybe I can impress them.”
Tsunoda feels he is a completely different driver to the one who made his F1 debut in 2021 and notes he is continually evolving.
“Even compared to the first race in 2024, I had a few bits and bobs with Daniel [Ricciardo] and I felt like I was still a kid. How I ended up in the last race, in Abu Dhabi right now, it’s a completely different mindset,” said Tsunoda.
“The approach into the track is completely different. If you talk about pressure, the amount of pressure I had every single race throughout the season; I was feeling always on the edge of the cliff. But actually, that situation made me strong.
“It’s not obviously the most enjoyable at times, but at the same time, I improved more than any other driver, and I can say that pretty loudly.”
One criticism Tsunoda often receives is related to his emotional reactions on team radio during races, but the Japanese driver insists it is an area where he has made improvements, and that he is not that different to most of his rivals on the grid.
“Please go through the last 24 races, how many times I shouted, maybe first race,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s much that they can complain about. I have that much confidence. Look up other drivers. I definitely made myself calmer more than others and focused on what I can do.”
Other drivers who hopped in new cars for the post-season test in Abu Dhabi include Carlos Sainz, who bid farewell to Ferrari and got behind the wheel of a Williams car for the first time on Tuesday, for the Pirelli tyre test.
Nico Hulkenberg has left Haas and got acquainted with the Kick Sauber C44, while Esteban Ocon, who has parted ways with Alpine, enjoyed his first drive in a Haas.
Abu Dhabi GP – in pictures
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The winners' podium, from left, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, McLaren driver Lando Norris, McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. All pictures by Chris Whiteoak / The National -
McLaren driver Lando Norris wins the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. -
McLaren CEO Zak Brown lifts the constructors' trophy in the F1 at Yas Marina Circuit after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. -
The drivers line up for the race at Yas Marina Circuit. -
Action on the track at the Abu Dhabi GP. -
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. -
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. -
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and Kick Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas during the drivers' parade. -
Amna Al Qubaisi competes in the F1 Academy race at Yas Marina Circuit. -
Mercedes driver George Russell arrives at the Yas Marina Circuit. -
Hamda Al Qubaisi competes in the F1 Academy race. -
Fans watch the racing at Yas Marina Circuit. -
French-Algerian driver Isack Hadjar during the Formula 2 race at Yas Marina Circuit. -
Fans watch the racing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. -
Isack Hadjar in the Formula 2 race. -
Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell take part in a pre-race photo call at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. -
Drivers line up for a pre-race photo at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. -
Fans watch the racing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. -
Mercedes driver George Russell fist bumps Williams driver Franco Colapinto. -
Drivers take part in a photo on the track at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. -
McLaren driver Lando Norris chats with Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen. -
Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez. -
Fans watch the racing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
