Yuki Tsunoda "testament" to Red Bull junior programme

AlphaTauri

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Tsunoda "testament" to Red Bull junior programme

Tsunoda has improved his performances this year

Ewan Gale

Monday 26 September 2022 15:50

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AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost believes Yuki Tsunoda's continuation in F1 is a "testament" to Dr Helmut Marko and the Red Bull junior programme.

The Japanese driver will remain with the team for 2023 after displaying improved performances throughout the current campaign.

Tsunoda was surprised to have been given a second season following a rookie year filled with incident.

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Whilst the current drivers' standings do not show the full picture, with 11 points good enough for only 16th, Tsunoda's speed compared to team-mate Pierre Gasly has been enough to earn him an extension.

“As we’ve seen since he joined us last year, Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season," said Tost.

"The pace he has shown recently is clear evidence of a steep learning curve, which proves he deserves a seat in F1, and I still expect some strong results from him in the last six races of 2022.

"As I always say, a driver needs at least three years to fully get to grips with Formula 1, so I’m pleased he’s been given the time to show his full potential."

Red Bull, Honda thanked for support

Tsunoda has followed in the footsteps of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen as well as other drivers who have found success outside of F1, such as Jean-Eric Vergne, who have been propelled through the Red Bull driver academy.

"It’s a testament to Dr Marko and his driver programme that we’re able to bring these young talents up from the junior categories and develop them," added Tost.

"I’d like to join Yuki in thanking Red Bull and AlphaTauri, as well as Honda, for their continuous support and for allowing him to stay with us for another year.”