Ironclad season start Tsunoda throws high hopes: 'Perez replacement'

Yuki Tsunoda has started his 2023 F1 season very strongly and can count on praise from his AlphaTauri team boss Franz Tost. The Austrian believes the Japanese driver is ready to replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull Racing in 2025.

Tost sees replacement for Pérez in Tsunoda

Perez is with Red Bull until 2024. When the Mexican's contract expires, Tost does think it is time to bring back a driver from his own junior group to the front. According to the Austrian, Tsunoda is doing very well in 2023 and is well on his way to having a chance at parent team Red Bull.

Speaking to Sport 1, the team boss says: "Yuki has had two extremely strong races so far. I am very happy with that. It is not his fault that we are still not competitive." At the winter tests, it was precisely his teammate, Dutchman Nyck de Vries, who scored highly. For now, the more experienced F1 driver Tsunoda has outperformed his teammate every weekend.

Tost thinks Tsunoda may cautiously start thinking about a promotion to Red Bull: "I can only say that Yuki is on the right track. He has improved in all aspects. I think he should drive for AlphaTauri in 2024. In 2025, he will finally be ready for Red Bull."