AlphaTauri extend deal with Tsunoda

Ewan Gale
Thursday 22 September 2022 08:08 - Updated: 10:11

AlphaTauri has confirmed Yuki Tsunoda will stay with the team for a third season.

The Japanese driver was left surprised by the team's decision to retain him after his rookie season that was filled with incident, but after showing signs of improvement throughout the current campaign, Tsunoda has been retained.

Tsunoda, who the team believe has proved he is a 'force to be reckoned with', has continuously displayed the pace from his F2 career that earned him the step up to F1, but crashes and a hot temper have led to AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost to call for calm from the 21-year-old.

A move to Italy to be closer to the factory in his first year has paid off, with Tsunoda closer to Pierre Gasly's performances throughout his second season with the team.

With the Frenchman's future uncertain as Alpine pushes for his signature to partner Esteban Ocon, Tsunoda was expected to remain for at least another year.

Tsunoda said: "I want to say a huge thank you to Red Bull, Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri for continuing to give me the opportunity to drive in F1.

"Having moved to Italy last year, to be closer to the factory, I really feel part of the team and am glad that I get to carry on racing with them in 2023.

"Of course, our 2022 season isn’t over yet and we’re still pushing hard in the midfield battle, so I’m fully focused on finishing it on a high and then we will look forward to next year.”

Tsunoda sits 16th in the drivers' standings with 11 points, with his season blighted by trips to the stewards' office.

The Red Bull junior is just four penalty points away from a race ban having already suffered from a grid penalty for picking up five reprimands.