Tsunoda learned from idol during the race: 'Learned how he handled the tyres'

Yuki Tsunoda had a spectacular debut for AlphaTauri. He scored points immediately, making him the first Japanese driver ever to do so a debut race. Especially his overtaking of Fernando Alonso will be remembered for a long time.

Alonso was always an idol of Tsunoda, who was just nine months old when Alonso made his debut in 2001. The young Japanese admits he got 'quite emotional' in the car when he overtook Alonso.

Tsunoda is quoted by Motorsport-Total.com and let it be known that he relied on his skills. "I'm also a bit sorry because I came from so far back," he explains. He even applied some techniques from the Spaniard. "I followed him for a while and learned how he handled the tyres and how he drove differently in every corner."

It was nice for Tsunoda to have a direct fight with his great role model, but secretly he hopes not to run into Alonso often again in the races. "After all, I want to be further up front. I'm not saying Fernando is bad, I just mean the car situation is different."

The Japanese driver thinks his AlphaTauri is better than Alonso's Alpine.