Tost gets his way with Tsunoda: 'That's what talents need'

Yuki Tsunoda will continue as a driver in F1 on behalf of AlphaTauri in 2023. The driver himself is very happy with this new deal and team boss Franz Tost is also very pleased with this continuity within his team.

Tsunoda can cheer again

Tsunoda has managed to convince Red Bull's management that he deserves a third year in Formula 1. The Japanese driver is in his second season at AlphaTauri and is currently 16th in the championship with 11 points. Whereas the Japanese driver was surprised to be given a new contract last year, he is now especially grateful.

''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 reveals in Red Bull's press release.

Choice of AlphaTauri

''As we’ve seen since he joined us last year, Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season. 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,'' said the team boss.

''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. In addition, 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. 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.''

Besides Tsunoda, Pierre Gasly also has a contract until 2023 at AlphaTauri, but the Frenchman seems to be leaving for Alpine after all. A seat has become vacant there and Red Bull is said to be open to letting its pupil leave. However, a replacement would have to be recruited to do so and the most likely one at the moment is Nyck de Vries.