Yuki Tsunoda during the Hungarian Grand Prix. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Tsunoda's greatest achievement, threatens to be his downfall

09:03, 17 Sep

bySamson Ero

Yuki Tsunoda has recently weighed in on his greatest achievement in his Formula 1 career so far. The Japanese driver opted for his debut with the Red Bull Racing outfit among several other moments.

Yuki Tsunoda during the Canadian Grand Prix. Photo: Race Pictures.

“I think stepping into Red Bull Racing.”

- Yuki Tsunoda

Tsunoda, who appeared on the Talking Bulls podcast, was quizzed about what he considers the greatest achievement of his Formula 1 career so far. The 25-year-old initially mentioned his qualifying at Interlagos in Brazil before switching to his Red Bull Racing debut in front of his home crowd.

“P3 in qualifying last year in Brazil, but I was actually changing my mind. I think stepping into Red Bull Racing, so far, in the Suzuka home Grand Prix.”

Tsunoda, who was brought in to replace Liam Lawson ahead of the Suzuka race, has quickly witnessed his stint at the Milton Keynes-based outfit unfold in a challenging manner. The former Racing Bulls driver has largely failed to live up to the expectations many had of him following his switch to the team.

In 14 races so far with Red Bull, Tsunoda has recorded only four points-scoring finishes – a situation that has stirred subtle discussions regarding his future at the outfit.

Yuki Tsunoda on his Red Bull Racing future

During the Italian Grand Prix weekend, Yuki Tsunoda also weighed in on his Red Bull Racing future. The former Racing Bulls driver, who spoke to GPblog, highlighted how pleased he is with the progress he continues to make race by race.

Quizzed about the words of team principal Laurent Mekies regarding the prospect of his future, he responded:

“I'm choosing the word because I know exactly what he's trying to do. Whether it's enough or it's not enough, it's up to them. And I'm just squeezing the performance from the current package I’ve got. I'm just pushing every single room that they gave me. And I'm pleased that I'm able to make progress race by race, clearly.”

“But also, at the same time, winning the points, that's something that we can see clearly on paper. And that's what I'm working on. So, overall, I don't know, it's up to them, but I just have to keep pushing.”

So far, several names have continued to be linked with the possibility of replacing Tsunoda at Red Bull. Only recently, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko also hinted at the team considering Isack Hadjar. What becomes of the future of the 25-year-old is certainly one worth keeping a close watch on.
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