Yuki Tsunoda has finally opened up about the much-discussed opportunity to become Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull Racing, a seat that ultimately went to Sergio Perez. In an exclusive interview, the Japanese driver addressed the situation, shedding light on his feelings and thoughts surrounding the missed opportunity. Tsunoda’s reaction has sparked curiosity among Formula 1 fans and the media, as the 2024 driver lineup continues to dominate headlines.
Tsunoda’s journey in Formula 1 has been filled with highs and lows. The 23-year-old made his debut in 2021 with AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s sister team, and quickly earned a reputation for his aggressive driving and fearless attitude. However, despite showing flashes of brilliance, his performance over the next seasons remained somewhat inconsistent. This inconsistency led many to believe that his position in the Red Bull family might be at risk, and rumors began circulating about his potential replacement by a more experienced driver.
The idea of Tsunoda joining Verstappen at Red Bull Racing became a subject of intense speculation when it was revealed that there were discussions about potential changes in the driver lineup for 2024. Max Verstappen’s dominance in the sport has made him the centerpiece of Red Bull’s driver lineup, and the team had been seeking a strong teammate to accompany him in their pursuit of more championships. With Sergio Perez’s future at the team in question due to his fluctuating performances, Tsunoda’s name emerged as a possible contender.
However, the opportunity slipped through Tsunoda’s fingers when Perez’s seat was confirmed for another season. The decision was a significant one for Red Bull, as Perez’s solid performances, especially in crucial races, played a major role in securing the team’s constructor championships. For Tsunoda, the news was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow, but it also allowed him to reflect on his career and his growth as a driver.
In his interview, Tsunoda spoke candidly about how he processed the news. “It was disappointing, of course,” Tsunoda admitted. “I felt I had worked hard and had been showing my potential, but it’s not just about one season; it’s about consistency. Red Bull made their choice based on the long-term picture, and I respect that. Max Verstappen is a world champion, and the team needs someone who can complement his skills and push the team forward.”
The Japanese driver acknowledged that while losing out on the chance to drive alongside Verstappen was a setback, it also served as motivation for him to continue improving. “I think this gives me more hunger. I need to show that I deserve a top seat in F1,” he continued. “I know I’m not there yet, but I believe I can get better. Every race is a learning experience for me, and I’m constantly working with my team to make sure I can challenge at the highest level.”
Tsunoda also shared his respect for Perez, who has faced his own share of scrutiny at Red Bull. Perez, who has been with the team since 2021, has been criticized at times for not being able to match Verstappen’s pace on a consistent basis. Nevertheless, he has shown resilience and determination, which Tsunoda admires. “Sergio is a great driver,” Tsunoda said. “He has been in Formula 1 for many years and has proven himself in different teams. I have a lot of respect for him and how he handles the pressure. I believe we both want the same thing – to race at the front and be competitive.”
The Red Bull Racing lineup for 2024 now stands with Verstappen leading the charge, and Perez continuing as his teammate. For Tsunoda, the next challenge will be to maintain his position at AlphaTauri and continue his development. Tsunoda has acknowledged that he is aware of the high expectations placed on him and that he needs to deliver strong results if he is to remain in Formula 1 in the long term.
While the door to a seat at Red Bull Racing may have closed for now, Tsunoda remains optimistic about his future. He understands that Formula 1 is an unpredictable sport, and opportunities can arise unexpectedly. “You never know what can happen in F1,” he remarked. “There’s always a chance if you perform well, stay focused, and keep working hard. I’m committed to improving, and who knows what the future holds.”
As the 2024 season approaches, fans will be watching Tsunoda closely to see how he responds to the disappointment of missing out on a Red Bull seat. The young Japanese driver’s resilience and ambition are clear, and it seems that he is ready to prove himself on the track, regardless of the setbacks he has faced.
