Yuki Tsunoda feels "more motivation to drive fast" after AlphaTauri F1 car launch

Yuki Tsunoda will make his Formula 1 debut in 2021 and will do so in AlphaTauri's AT02 that was unveiled on Friday morning. The Japanese driver cannot wait for his first time in this car and he aims to score as many points as possible during the 2021 F1 season. 

In only his second year in Europe, Tsunoda has already caused many people to look at him with interest. The 20-year-old driver came to Europe in 2019 and immediately won a race in Formula 3.

In 2020, he went a step further and was the best "Rookie" of the F2 season in third place in the standings. On his way to recording that feat, Tsunoda won one sprint race and two feature races. Now Tsunoda is mainly looking forward to the start of his F1 adventure.

Tsunoda can't wait for his debut

"I am really looking forward to driving this livery this year. I think if the livery is cool, the driver feels more motivation to drive fast," Tsunoda told AlphaTauri's official channels. 

"Franz told me to just focus on driving and be normal. Try to act like normal, get points as much as possible. For me, I don't usually make goals. I focus race by race, now I'm focusing on Bahrain test, turn one braking zone. I don't make goal, but get points as much as possible. My target would be a podium, but for now to push hard," the Japanese concluded.

A busy winter

During the winter, Tsunoda reports he worked a lot in the gym to get himself ready for his rookie season. Tsunoda scored 200 points, aided by his podium tally of seven across the year. 

"I just tried to relax and prepare for the season. I went to the gym every day with my Japanese trainer to work on my leg and core. I found weak points in Abu Dhabi, struggled on the neck in particularly. Tried to work on that. Otherwise, just relax and enjoy time with my friends and family. Push from FP1 and try to adapt to the car," he added.