Yuki Tsunoda buoyed by Sergio Perez mentoring texts

Tsunoda and Perez in Austria — Photo: © LAT Images

Red Bull

Tsunoda buoyed by Perez mentoring texts

Japanese rookie has been boosted by Red Bull driver support

Will Gray

Wednesday 7 July 2021 11:53 Updated: 12:00

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Yuki Tsunoda revealed he has received a number of text messages of support from Sergio Perez during his rollercoaster ride in getting to grips with F1 on his debut this season.

Tsunoda joined the top tier with AlphaTauri this year, racing alongside Pierre Gasly, but it is the consoling messages from the man in the other Red Bull stable that has left the biggest mark on the 21-year-old.

“Sergio gives me a lot of advice,” said Tsunoda. “Especially like in France and also Monaco, he gave me messages after I had a really bad weekend, he messaged me advice and also offered some positive words to me, to make me motivated.

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“So, I have thanks to Sergio. We have four drivers in Red Bull and we have a really good relationship. I am going to keep pushing to improve and be inspired by them.”

Tsunoda picking up on Gasly’s experience

Japanese driver Tsunoda has shown strong pace this season but has struggled to find any form of consistency, crashing out in Imola, hitting the barriers in Monaco and pushing too hard in Azerbaijan qualifying ending up in the wall.

He has picked up nine points so far, finishing an impressive ninth on his debut in Bahrain, securing seventh in Azerbaijan and finishing tenth at the Styrian Grand Prix.

He revealed that while he does not discuss data with Gasly he does still benefit from his experience, explaining: “I don’t get direct advice from Pierre - when we chat it's not about racing.

“I just watch him for data and I can see how he is approaching on video or radio, so I am watching those things to improve myself, to inspire from him and just if there is anything that I can take, I also take to try.”