Yamamoto: "This means Tsunoda did a good job as a rookie"

In an interview with Autosportweb.com, Honda top man Masashi Yamamoto gave an insight into how Honda is looking at the Formula 2 season of up-and-coming talent Yuki Tsunoda. After his strong F2 season, Tsunoda will make the switch to Formula 1 next year, where he has obtained a seat at AlphaTauri.

Yamamoto started by thanking Tsunoda for his strong performance. Yamamoto said: “This season was a really tough year in many ways, but he showed a strong mentality and fought really well. I want to thank you.”

“The final race ended with a really good race," said Yamamoto. Tsunoda managed to get two podiums in a row in the last two races, a victory and second place.

"It was a race like the culmination of a year. Getting on the podium from the reverse grid (not only in Race 1 but also in Race 2) was the same for all the drivers who had stepped up to F1 in the past, and they did it brilliantly.

“Champion Mick has never taken pole position, while Tsunoda has won four times, which means that he did a good job as a rookie.”

Continuing developments

Despite the fact that Tsunoda did not manage to win the Formula 2 championship, according to Yamamoto, Tsunoda's line of development has now started. “It was also impressive that he was able to make full use of what he learned in each race in the next race. I was able to confirm this firmly in Race 1 and Race 2 of the final race, and I think that growth will lead to next year," said Yamamoto.